This is a awareness document on breast cancer

2. What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women in India.
Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells
divide more rapidly than healthy cells and continue to gather, forming a lump or
mass. The cells may spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes or other parts of the
body. Breast cancer mostly begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive
ductal carcinoma) or in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular
carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may
increase the risk of breast cancer. But it is unclear why some women who have no
risk factors develop cancer, yet others with risk factors never do. It is likely that
breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of genetic makeup and
environment factors.
Studies say that over 1,70,000 new breast cancer cases are likely to develop in
India by 2020. According to research, 1 in every 28 women is likely to get affected
by the disease. While breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, around 1-2%
men are likely to get affected, too.

3. Sign and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
1. A lump in the breast or underarm (most common symptom)
2. Change in the size ,shape or appearance of the breast.
3. An inverted nipple ( newly developed)
4. Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the area of skin surrounding the nipple or
breast skin.
5. Redness or pitting of the skin over the breast (like the peel of an orange).
6. Bloody or clear discharge from the nipple.
7. Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening on the breast.
Early detection of breast cancer is important as it provides several treatment
options, increased survival, and good quality of life. Early detection provides the
best chance of effective treatment. When Breast cancer is found early, when it’s
small in size and has not spread, it is easier to treat successfully.

4. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

5. Inherited Breast Cancer
About 5 to 10 % of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through
generations of a family. The most well-known inherited mutated genes that can
increase the likelihood of breast cancer are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast
cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of breast and
ovarian cancer.
If there is a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, consult your doctor
who may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other
genes that are being passed through your family.
The Doctor will refer you to a genetic counselor, who will review your family health
history and discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to help you to
make the right decisions.
Other Factors associated with the risk of breast cancer are:
•Increasing Age
The risk of breast cancer increases as you grow older
•A Personal History of Breast Conditions
If you have had a breast biopsy that found lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical
hyperplasia of the breast, there is an increased risk of breast cancer
•A Family History of Breast Cancer
If your mother, sister or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a
young age, your risk is increased.

6. •Breast Cancer Screening for Early Detection
Screening is the best way to protect you from breast cancer. It does not help prevent
the cancer, but it can help find it early when treatment is easier and less invasive.
Breast Self- Awareness
It is important to check yourself regularly, so that you can spot any change
immediately. Remember to check all parts of your breasts, armpits and up to your
collarbone.
Check once a month, one week after your period, after age 20
Clinical Breast Exam
It is an examination by a doctor or nurse who will check both breasts and the lymph
nodes in armpits. Recommended every 3 years between 20 & 30 and every year after
40
Mammography
It is an x-ray of the breast which can find cancer when it is too small to be felt. To be
done after age 45 upon advice of Doctor and based on personal risk factors. If an
abnormality is detected, the doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram for
further evaluation.

8. Surgeries
•Lumpectomy
During a lumpectomy, which is also referred to as breast-conserving surgery or wide
local excision, the surgeon removes the tumor and a small margin of surrounding
healthy tissue. A lumpectomy may be recommended for removing smaller tumors. For
larger tumors, patients may have to undergo chemotherapy to shrink the tumor to
make it possible to remove it by a lumpectomy procedure.
•Mastectomy
A mastectomy is an operation to remove breast tissue completely. Most mastectomy
procedures remove the lobules, ducts, fatty tissue and some skin, nipple and areola
(total or simple mastectomy). Newer surgical techniques such as skin-sparing
mastectomy and nipple-sparing mastectomy are increasingly becoming common.
•Sentinel Node Biopsy
The surgeon will remove the lymph nodes that are the first to receive the lymph
drainage from the tumor, to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
If the tests are negative, no other nodes will need to be removed as there is very little
chance of finding cancer in any of the remaining nodes.
•Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
In case, cancer is found in the sentinel lymph nodes, the surgeon will remove
additional lymph nodes in the armpit.

9. Preparing for Your Appointments
Women with breast cancer may have appointments with several doctors and health
professionals,
Various Tests and procedures used to stage breast cancer:
•Breast Health Specialists
•Breast Surgeons
•Radiologists
•Oncologists
•Radiation Oncologists
•Genetic Counselors
•Plastic Surgeons

10. It’s time to come
together.
It’s time to support