Things you need to know about breast cancer

When we hear the word "cancer," we all cringe a little, right? It's normal to feel a little scared when we hear about breast cancer, which is a common topic among women. However, before we get scared, it's important to understand this correctly . The good news is that thanks to advanced medical tests today, especially mammograms, breast cancer can be detected at a very early stage. When detected early, the chances of it being completely cured are much higher. So let's talk about this in detail, very simply.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

There is no single cause of breast cancer. However, doctors have identified several factors that increase a person's risk of developing the disease. We call these 'risk factors'. Having one or more of these does not mean that you will definitely get cancer. But it is important to be aware of these things.

Here is a list of risk factors. Let's look at this in a table to make it easier to understand.

Does race or social background affect risk?

This is a bit of a complicated question. The simplest answer is that breast cancer is not a disease limited to any race, religion, or caste. It can affect any woman, anywhere in the world.

However, research conducted in various countries around the world has shown that some groups of people have differences in their risk of developing and dying from this disease. The main reason for this is not only their genes. What is more important is the social, economic and cultural background in which they live.

Consider that in some ethnic groups, women may be diagnosed with cancer when the disease is already advanced or in a critical condition. There are several reasons for this:

• Lack of awareness: Lack of knowledge about the early signs of breast cancer, how to self-examine your breasts, and why you should seek medical attention.
• Difficulty accessing medical services: Economic problems, lack of transportation, and the lack of a family doctor (Primary Care Provider) can cause people to wait until their illness becomes severe.
• Cultural beliefs: Some people turn to traditional or other "village medicine" when they are ill before seeing a doctor. This can sometimes delay diagnosis and treatment. (Important: This is not to disparage traditional medicine. However, in the case of a disease like cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are essential according to Western medicine.)
• Distrust of the healthcare system: Sometimes people hide their symptoms even if they have them due to fear or misconceptions about hospitals and doctors.

These issues are also relevant to us in Sri Lanka. The facilities available to someone in the city may not be available to someone in a difficult village. So the most important thing is that, regardless of your social and economic status, if you notice a change in your body, do not be afraid or ashamed of it, but see a doctor as soon as possible and seek advice.

What should you do? The importance of early detection

If you have any fears after reading this article, please put them aside. The purpose of this information is not to scare you, but to educate you. Awareness is the greatest strength.

Things you should do yourself

• Do a monthly breast self-exam:Once a month, 5-7 days after your period, examine both breasts in front of a mirror while lying down. Look for lumps, skin changes, nipple changes, or any discharge. If you don't know how to do this, ask your family doctor.
• Be aware of changes in your body: If you notice any changes in your breast or armpit, such as a new lump, thickening, swelling, skin discoloration (like an orange peel), indentation in the nipple, bleeding or other fluid from the nipple, or itching or redness of the skin, don't ignore it.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice any of the changes mentioned above, even if it's small, see a doctor as soon as possible. Not every lump is cancerous. But a doctor should decide whether it's cancerous or not.

Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may order tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound scan.