Affecting Indian women over 40 years – a decade earlier than the West — breast cancer today is the most common type of cancer among women in the country.
In India, lack of awareness and misconceptions that surround breast cancer and its available treatments causes delay in seeking medical attention, say experts.
“For instance, Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer opt for mastectomy under the misconception that they are ‘cutting’ away the problem. In reality, many growths are benign.
Patients with no family history are also susceptible to breast cancer and while rare, it can even occur among men.
However, if detected in time there are tremendous chances of survival,” said Dr Ramesh Nimmagadda, director and consultant oncologist, Apollo Hospitals.
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing rapidly because more and more women are working outside their homes, which allows the various risk factors of breast cancer to come into play.
Women who have to undergo mastectomy can always opt for breast reconstruction, explain experts.
Removing the breast often causes lack of self-confidence in women which results in loss of self-esteem.
“But through breast reconstruction surgery, the cosmetic appearance could be enhanced and the person would regain confidence. The surgery might cost a few lakhs but it would improve the self-esteem of a woman to a large extent,” said Dr Nimmagadda.
Women above 40 should examine themselves for painless lumps in the breasts regularly. Those who have a family history of cancer should get yearly mammograms done, he added.