Understanding Breast Cancer: Awareness Without Fear
Hi readers, hope you are all doing great, especially with the summer catching up. This time, I am back with more information on breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly discussed health concerns among women, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. While the word “cancer” often creates fear, it is important to remember that when detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable, and outcomes are often very good.
The purpose of awareness is not to create anxiety, but to empower women with the knowledge needed to recognise warning signs and seek timely care.
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. These abnormal cells may form a lump or mass and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body. However, in its early stages, breast cancer is usually confined to the breast and may not cause any pain or obvious discomfort. This is why awareness and self-examination play such an important role.
The most common sign of breast cancer is a painless lump in the breast. Because it does not hurt, many women tend to ignore it or assume it is harmless. This is one of the key reasons why diagnosis is often delayed. Apart from a lump, there are other changes that should not be overlooked. These include changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin dimpling, redness or skin changes, changes in the nipple shape and direction, and bloody nipple discharge.
It is important to note that these changes usually affect one breast, unlike hormonal symptoms, which are typically seen in both. Not every woman with breast cancer will have all these symptoms. In fact, some cancers are detected even before symptoms appear, through routine screening. This brings us to an equally important aspect of breast health—regular health check-ups.
A master health check-up is not only meant for general health but also plays a crucial role in preventive care for women. Many hospitals and health programs include breast screening as part of these evaluations, helping detect problems at an early stage. One of the most effective tools for early detection is a mammogram, which is a specialised X-ray of the breast. It can identify small changes within the breast, even before symptoms appear.
For women above the age of 40, a combination of mammogram and ultrasound is considered the most reliable method of evaluation, and they can undergo a mammogram once a year or once every two years, depending on individual risk factors such as family history, prior breast conditions, and medical advice. For women below 40 years, ultrasound alone is usually the first investigation of choice, unless there is a suspicious finding that requires further evaluation with a mammogram.
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. While it can occur in younger women, the risk increases as women grow older, especially after the age of 40. Other factors that may increase risk include a family history of breast cancer, early onset of menstruation, late menopause, and certain lifestyle factors.
However, it is equally important to understand that many women who develop breast cancer may not have any identifiable risk factors at all. This is why awareness and screening are essential for every woman, regardless of her background.
Self-breast examination, as discussed in our previous newsletter, does not replace screening but complements it. It helps a woman become familiar with her own body so that she can recognise any new or unusual change early. One of the most important messages to remember is that early detection can not only save your life but also your breasts. When breast cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment is often simpler, more effective, and less invasive, and you need not always lose your breast. In some cases, a complete cure is also possible.
At the same time, it is important not to jump to conclusions. Not every lump is cancer, and not every change is dangerous. But every new or unusual finding deserves proper medical evaluation.
Fear often leads to delay, and delay can lead to complications. Awareness, on the other hand, leads to timely action and better outcomes.
Breast health is not about constant worry—it is about understanding, observing, and acting when necessary.
In this journey, knowledge is reassurance, and awareness is protection.
Dr Swathika Rajendran
Junior Consultant – Breast Surgery,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
