Detection of breast cancer

The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of getting it successfully treated.

- Dr Niti Raizada

Breast cancer is a global disease with each region having its own uniqueness even though the underlying causes are similar. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in India with a significant increase in recent years, and second most common in the rural areas. A lot of this increased incidence can also be due to more awareness and improved diagnosis. Breast cancer also affects men, with about a 1% incidence amongst them. 

The conventional way of detecting breast cancer in most developing countries, such as India, still involves conducting self-examination or accidentally finding an undiagnosed lump in the breast area. Self-examination involves inspecting the breast for dimpling or for any changes in shape or symmetry. Light pressure is applied to check for any lumps near the surface of the skin and the pressure is increased a little to check for lumps in the deeper tissue. Earlier, this was of relevance because it was the primary method of detecting breast cancer. 

Next, one would undergo a clinical breast examination, and then proceed to undergo ultrasounds and mammograms. However, in the west, a routine mammography and ultrasound are recommended for women above the age of 40.