OCTOBER: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Early Detection Saves Lives

A message from Aurum Cancer Care

October is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness, encourage early detection and empower women to take charge of their breast health.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. In India, its incidence has been rising, making awareness, timely diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment increasingly important.

The encouraging news is that breast cancer detected at an early stage is often highly treatable, with excellent chances of long-term survival.

Know the Warning Signs

Every woman should be aware of changes in her breasts. Some important warning signs include:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.

• A change in the size or shape of the breast.

• Changes in the skin, such as dimpling, puckering or redness.

• New nipple inversion or unusual nipple discharge, especially bloody discharge.

• Persistent, localised breast discomfort.

• A wound or ulcer over the breast or nipple that does not heal.

Remember: Most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, every new or unusual breast change deserves medical evaluation. Do not wait for pain to appear before seeking advice.

Who Is at Risk?

Although breast cancer is more common with increasing age, it can also affect younger women.

Risk factors include:

• Increasing age.

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

• Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

• Previous history of breast cancer or certain high-risk breast lesions.

• Obesity, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.

• Certain hormonal and reproductive factors.

However, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. A healthy lifestyle and awareness are important, but neither can completely eliminate the risk.

Early Detection: The Key to Better Outcomes

Early detection helps identify breast cancer before it advances, when treatment may be more effective and less extensive.

What can women do?

• Know your breasts: Become familiar with the usual appearance and feel of your breasts so that changes are easier to recognize.

• Seek medical advice promptly: Report any new lump, nipple change or unusual breast symptom without delay.

• Clinical breast examination: Discuss examination by a healthcare professional, particularly if you have risk factors or symptoms.

• Mammography: Screening mammography can detect breast cancer before symptoms develop. The appropriate starting age and frequency depend on individual risk and local screening recommendations.

• High-risk screening: Women with a strong family history or inherited genetic risk may require earlier and more intensive screening, including breast MRI.

Breast self-awareness is valuable, but it is not a substitute for recommended screening mammography.

Breast Cancer Is Not a Single Disease

Breast cancer has several biological subtypes, including hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer.

Modern breast cancer treatment is personalized according to the stage, tumor biology, receptor status and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment may include:

• Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy or other appropriate axillary surgery.

• Chemotherapy.

• Hormonal therapy.

• HER2-targeted therapy.

• Radiotherapy.

• Immunotherapy or other targeted treatments in selected patients.

Advances in diagnosis, surgical techniques, systemic therapy and radiation have significantly improved outcomes for many patients.

A breast cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean mastectomy or chemotherapy. 

Treatment is individualized, and breast conservation is possible for many women.

.Take Charge of Your Breast Health

This October, make breast health a priority. Encourage mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues to recognize symptoms, understand their risk and seek timely medical advice.

Let us replace fear with knowledge, myths with facts and delays with early diagnosis.

Pink October is more than a month of awareness. It is a reminder that informed decisions and timely action can save lives.