• UNFORTUNETLY, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in India.

• FORTUNATELY, it is one of the most easily detectable forms of cancer.

• UNFORTUNETLY, 1 in every 22 women stands the risk of developing it during her lifetime.

• FORTUNATELY, the survival rate is as high as 98% if caught early.

• UNFORTUNETLY, breast cancer is not openly talked about.

• FORTUNATELY, that can change.

If, we take a step today!!!

What is Breast Cancer? Breast Cancer is a tumor arising from the cells of the

breast, wherein cells divide and grow without normal control. Most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Lump in the breast Most breast lumps are not cancerous. All

breast lumps, however, need to be evaluated by a doctor.

Nipple discharge Breast discharge is a

common problem and is rarely a symptom of cancer. Discharge is most concerning, if it is from only one breast or if it is bloody. In any case, all breast discharge should be evaluated.

Nipple Inversion

Nipple inversion is a common variant of normal nipples, but nipple inversion that is a new development can be of concern.

Changes in Breast Skin Changes in the skin of the breast include redness,

changes in texture, and puckering. These changes are usually caused by skin diseases but occasionally can be associated with breast cancer.

Risk Factors

Uncontrollable risk factors

• Gender: Being a woman is the main risk for breast cancer. While men also get the disease, it is about 100 times more common in women than in men.

• Age: The chance of getting breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older. About 2 of 3 women with invasive breast cancer are 55 or older when the cancer is found.

Cont.

• Genetic risk factors: About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are thought to be linked to inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes.

• Family history: Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. The relatives can be from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family.

Cont.

• Personal history of breast cancer: A woman with cancer in one breast has a greater chance of getting a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from a return of the first cancer (called a recurrence).

Cont.

• Dense breast tissue: Dense breast tissue means there is more gland tissue and less fatty tissue. Women with denser breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can also make it harder for doctors to spot problems on mammograms.

Cont.

• Race: Overall, white women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer than Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of getting and dying from breast cancer.

Controllable risk factors

• Recent use of birth control pills: Studies have found that women who are using birth control pills have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them.

Controllable risk factors

Not having children or having them later in life:

Women who have had not had children, or who had their first child after age 30, have a slightlyhigher risk of breast cancer.

Cont.

• Not breastfeeding: Some studies have shown that breastfeeding slightly lowers breast cancer risk, especially if the breastfeeding lasts 1½ to 2 years.

Cont.

• Alcohol: The use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of getting breast cancer.

Cont.

• Being overweight or obese: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing breast cancer.

Cont.• Lack of exercise: Studies show that

exercise reduces breast cancer risk. The only question is how much exercise is needed.

• One study found that as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2½ hours of brisk walking per week reduced the risk by 18%. Walking 10 hours a week reduced the risk a little more.

Prevention is better than cure

Thank you for your participation…

Be Aware, Make Aware!!!