BLOG

Preventing Breast Cancer

Preventing Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer of women in the world. It can happen to anybody, young or old, married or single. One in 5 women is at the risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime in USA. In India the incidence is slightly lower but it is increasing.

A lot of research is being done to find the cause and cure of breast cancer. Cause of breast cancer is still unknown. Certain cancer genes have been identified that run in families or can occur newly by mutation in women without any family gene. Tests are available to detect such a gene so that extra precautions can be taken to detect cancer early in women with such genes. Since the advances in plastic surgery have made it possible to create attractive new breasts, women who are genetically at high risk can go for removal of breasts and reconstruction.

Prevention gives the best chance of cure. You can beat the cancer by being cautious and detecting it early. Remember cancer starts as a painless lump in the breast and you have the best chance of detecting it yourself. By Breast self examination ( BSE). This is how you can do It:

  • Stand in front of a mirror with top exposed.
  • Place hands on hips.
  • Look for signs of dimpling, swelling, soreness, or redness in all parts of your breasts in the mirror.
  • Repeat with arms raised above your head.
  • While still standing, palpate your breasts with your fingers, feeling for lumps. Try to use a larger area of your fingers rather than prodding. Feel both for the area just beneath the skin and for the tissue deeper within.
  • Go over the entire breast while examining. One method is to divide the breast into quadrants and palpate each quadrant carefully. Also examine the “axillary tail” of each breast that extends toward the armpit.
  • Repeat palpation while lying down.
  • Check the nipples and the area just beneath them. Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge.

Breasts tend to feel different in different parts of menstrual cycle. Therefore BSE should be done 7 to 10 days after the first day of periods, every month. Once you get the feel of your breasts it will be easy for you to detect any change and you will be able to differentiate normal breast feel from that of a lump.

If you have detected a lump or nodule do not panic, because 8 out of ten times these are harmless. You should go to an expert surgeon for examination. She/he may advise further testing if needed like mammography( breast X ray) and sonography of breast -both of which are painless .Fine needle biopsy may also be needed to get the diagnosis.

If the lump is benign (harmless) it can be left alone or can be removed through small incision. If it is malignant (cancer) and detected early (less than 2 cm size lump) then it is possible to have breast preserving surgery wherein only the lump with surrounding rim of normal breast is removed leaving behind rest of the breast and radiation to the breast. For bigger cancers treatment usually involves total removal of breast and chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy. Plastic surgical breast reconstruction is commonly done after total removal of breast. If the cancer is detected in early stage, very long survival 20 years or more is known after complete treatment.

After the age of 40 yearly mammography can be done to detect any minute cancer. It is like an X ray and is painless. Early detection not only allows for breast preservation but also increases the chances of cure.

The post Preventing Breast Cancer appeared first on Ambrosia Clinic – Dr. Priti Shukla.

Dr. Priti Shukla

Dr. Priti Shukla has been in practice since 2001 with a primary interest in cosmetic surgery, specifically breast enhancement, body contouring, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. She is a member of many prestigious associations and is considered the best female cosmetic surgeon in India and a top plastic surgeon in Hyderabad. Today, her client list includes models, actors, homemakers, professionals, and students from around the globe.

More readings for you

Breast Reduction: Risks, Importance and Things To Keep In Mind

Breast Reduction: Risks, Importance and Things To Keep In Mind

Are you someone who gets burdened with large breasts? Do heavy breasts make you uncomfortable, causing pain?  If the volume of your chest has created issues or hampered your lifestyle, breast reduction surgery could have a significant impact on your physical...

All You Need to Know About Hair Transplant Surgery

All You Need to Know About Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery is the treatment of the bald head to make you look beautiful by providing good coverage of hair on the head. This surgery doesn’t have any rocket science in it and involves very basic anaesthesia.  Here, we will explore the reasons for...

6 Unheard Yet Amazing Facts Related To Plastic Surgery In Hyderabad

6 Unheard Yet Amazing Facts Related To Plastic Surgery In Hyderabad

Sometimes it is amusing to explore facts related to various topics. And for those who are keen to get plastic surgery, facts associated with the same might attract them a lot. Here we are presenting you with some unheard yet mind-blowing facts related to plastic...

13 Side Effects of Breast Implant Surgery

13 Side Effects of Breast Implant Surgery

It’s no doubt that breast implant surgery is an excellent way of contouring your breasts, yet, like all other surgeries, it too has its side effects. The complications are not always a big threat, but sometimes it is so unbearable that patients need to undergo another...

Mommy Makeover Surgery: Procedure, Aftercare, and Recovery

Mommy Makeover Surgery: Procedure, Aftercare, and Recovery

Mommy makeover surgery refers to multiple plastic surgeries meant for breast lift, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and liposuction. The main reason behind women undergoing this surgery is to obtain a natural and beautiful body figure.  Mommy makeover is...

Add To Your Beauty With Rhinoplasty Surgery

Add To Your Beauty With Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery or nose job is surgery to alter the shape of our nose. This surgery is not only practised due to cosmetic purposes but also due to some medical conditions. Breathing problem is one such medical issue that people face.  Though a nose job is not...

Is Liposuction Surgery Worth It?

Is Liposuction Surgery Worth It?

Liposuction is a one-stop solution for people who wish to eliminate excess fat in some parts of the body. But, you should understand that it isn't meant for the treatment of obesity. In this section, you will realize what liposuction is, its benefits, its...

Look and Feel Younger With a Breast Lift

Look and Feel Younger With a Breast Lift

For all those people suffering from hanging breasts, we have a perfect idea for you. Now, you need not suffer and feel uncomfortable in public due to them. The idea is "Mastopexy." In simple words, people call it "breast lift."  This surgery will never let you...

Is Breast Reduction Surgery for Males Effective And Safe?

Is Breast Reduction Surgery for Males Effective And Safe?

Are you tired of seeing your disfigured body due to large breasts? Don't worry. We have brought for all our male friends a perfect solution to your large breast size. The key is called "breast reduction."  After going through this, you will be able to understand...

Trusted Plastic Surgery Clinic in Hyderabad

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.