An early detection goes a long way...

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Breast Cancer is most common in women and has the second highest occurrence in India. The average incidence rate is around 6 lakhs in the rural areas. Women above the age of 50 are most susceptible to cancer.

It starts as cancerous cells present at the lining of a milk gland (lobule) in one of the breasts. This phenomenon is commonly known as lobular breast cancer.  Women should regularly conduct self-examination of the breast and on noticing any lump or change must consult the doctor if necessary. This will help facilitate early stage breast cancer treatment. If the cancer is diagnosed at the first stage, outcomes are better.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous. But few basic symptoms of breast cancer are:

  • A painless lump in the breast
  • A spontaneous discharge of blood from the nipple
  • Retraction or indentation of nipple
  • Redness or pitting of the skin over the breast
  • Mass below the arms
  • Changes in the size or shape of a breast
  • Dimpling or thickening of the skin on a part of a breast

There are certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing breast cancer. They are:

  • Ageing: The risk of developing breast cancer roughly doubles every 10 years.
  •  Location: The rate of breast cancer varies between countries, due to environmental factors.
  • HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy for several years increases risk of breast cancer.
  • Dense breast tissue: A highly dense tissue can increase the risk too.
  • History of benign diseases: If the person has a history of benign breast diseases, the risk of getting breast cancer increases.
  • Lifestyle factors: Signs such as lack of exercise, obesity after menopause and excess intake of alcohol can also add to the chances of getting breast cancer.

Hence it is important that all women must monitor and have constant checkups done for effective treatment at an early stage.  With the combined effort of our volunteers and MGM doctors and nurses we visit different villages and conduct check-up camps to eradicate this disease.


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