Simple Ways for Self-Breast Examination

Breast Cancer is the fastest growing non-infectious disease in India amongst women. The chances of any woman getting this disease with or without a family history is 1 in 10, therefore Breast Self-Awareness is recommended monthly for every woman above the age of 21. In the premenopausal age group (when the periods are present) this should be done on the 10th day of the cycle (Day 1 being that when the bleeding starts) and in the post-menopausal age bracket any day of the month. The idea is to look for any change, however subjective it might be. The best time is in the shower or bath, before, during or after. 

• - How to detect breast cancer— As mentioned above Breast Self-Awareness and yearly mammogram with a breast ultrasound. There is also no increased risk from the radiation received.
• - Diagnosis of breast cancer— Triple assessment is the key. This includes 
• - History and Examination of the patient 
• - Imaging appropriate for the patient’s age 
• - Image guided try-cut / core biopsy

The success rate of this if done properly is 100%

• - Is breast cancer curable? — This is one of the few cancers that has seen a huge leap in cure rates. In the last 30 years we’ve moved from a 5-year disease free survival of about 80% to a 30-year disease free survival of close to 94% and an almost 100% cure in patients who go for regular screening mammograms and clinical examinations. We can’t cure diabetes or high blood pressure but WE CAN CURE EARLY BREAST CANCER COMPLETELY.
• - When to see a Breast Cancer specialist— At the earliest opportunity. Please see one when you have no signs or symptoms with your screening mammogram results and or with any changes however subjective in the breast. Please remember that early detection doesn’t just save lives, it saves both the breast and the quality of life.