Dr. Geetha Nagasree is the first female Surgical Oncologist in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with an experience of over 20 years.

What is breast cancer?

Any type of cancer malignant in the breast is called breast cancer. It can be from the breast gland, skin or melanoma but it should arising from the breast and this is called breast cancer. When compared with men, it is noticed that it is more common in women. 

Major causes of breast cancer

There is no particular cause for breast cancer. Cancer is the division of cells. There are two types of genes mainly including Proto-oncogenes and Tumour suppressor occur in a balance, so that cell division occur in a smooth way. The uncontrollable way of cell division is known as  tumour or malignant (spreads to others). 

Dr. Geetha Nagasree states “1 in 20 are likely to get breast cancer in the future and it is due to the fact that a lot of lifestyle changes occur in womens day to tday life like Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, changed food habits, westernization, fast foods and pollution are the various factors for breast cancer because of increased hormone exposure. Teenage girls have 30-40% Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which leads to the delay in periods, irregular cycles, infertility and then cancers and thus, breast cancer is considered as a lifestyle disease.”

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

The most common symptom is palpable lump. 20% are malignant lumps but an individual should view every lump with suspicion so that the patient doen't miss any diagnosis. Retraction of the nipple, blood discharge from the nipple, lump in the axillary, Skin changes like Peau D'Orange are usually the signs of breast cancer. 

Early diagnosis is the key to the survival from breast cancer. Screening Mammography and lesions found in mammography that is screen-detected lesions can be done. If some lesions are detected Biopsy test or Wire localization can then be done which can reduce mortality. Average instance of breast cancer in India is 10 years less than west. 30% of breast cancer occurs below 40 years of age. Young-age breast cancers are very aggressive and are more common in India than the west. Start yearly screening at the age of 40.

Are elder women more likely to develop breast cancer?

Yes, as age advances, the chances of breast cancer increases. Life expectancy has increased to 75-80 years and has become one of the reason for the increase in breast cancer.

Can a woman breastfeed her baby if she has breast cancer?

After diagnosis, she needs to undergo the treatment of breast cancer, and after that the mother can then breastfeed the child. While Chemotherapy secretes some drugs, it is important to avoid breastfeeding. 

Which breast is more prone to cancer?

Both of the breasts have equal chances of getting cancer.

Are only women affected by breast cancer?

No, even men get breast cancer. Women have 200 folds more chances of getting breast cancer than men. 

Can smoking increase the risk of breast cancer?

Yes, Smoking increases the risk of cancers like stomach cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer and even breast cancer.

Is breast cancer surgery painful?

No, the breast cancer surgery is not a major burden. Women should not be worried about foregoing their breast.

(Edited by Elvis Almeida)