Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Know Its Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Did you know breast cancer caused an estimated 6,70,000 deaths globally in 2022? Yes, it’s unfortunately true. This is the reason why more awareness regarding breast cancer, its symptoms, and treatment is the need of the hour. As we observe October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it becomes all the more important to address this.

We reached out to our expert, Dr Rohan Khandelwal, Associate Director & Head -The Breast Centre, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, to get an insight into breast cancer, its causes, symptoms and more.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease where uncontrollable growth of abnormal breast cells form tumours. If left unattended, the tumours spread throughout the body and turn fatal. Breast cancer cells start inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumours that cause lumps or thickening.

There are varied factors which can cause breast cancer. “It is a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Getting an early period or late menopause increases the risk; other risk factors include obesity, consuming alcohol, and not having children,” says Dr Khandelwal.

Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

“The early signs of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, and this lump is usually a painless lump. And because it is painless, many women miss out on it and come to us at a later stage. Other signs can be the nipple going inside, skin becoming hard, lumps in the underarm and bloody nipple discharge,” says Dr Khandelwal.

If you notice any of these changes in the breast, consult a healthcare provider immediately:

• New lumps or masses.
• Bloody or unusual nipple discharge.
• Swelling or thickening.
• Skin changes like redness, dimpling, or scaliness.
• Pain or changes in nipple direction.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/warning-signs-of-cancer-in-women-unusual-changes-to-watch-out-for-12977837043

What Is Breast Cancer Self-examination (BSE)?

Breast self-examination (BSE) is an effective screening technique that enables women to learn about the composition of their breasts and assist in the early identification of any potential breast abnormalities. Women can begin practicing BSE around age 20 and continue throughout life, including during pregnancy and menopause.

Ideally, BSE should be done monthly:

• For menstruating women: A few days after the period ends, when breasts are least tender.
• For non-menstruating women: Choose a consistent day each month.
• For those on hormone therapy: Consult a healthcare provider for timing.

“It is important for women to develop habits of being aware of breast self-examination and maintaining breast health. People with advanced detection skills live longer and have a better quality of life,” mentions Dr Khandelwal.

How To Detect Breast Cancer

Tests and procedures which are used to detect breast cancer may include:

• Blood tests, including a complete blood count and tests to observe how well the kidneys and liver are working.
• Bone scan.
• CT scan.
• MRI.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Breast Cancer Treatment: Overview

Breast cancer treatment often begins with surgery to remove the cancer. People with breast cancers opt for other treatments after surgery, such as radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Some might opt for chemotherapy or hormone therapy before surgery. These may help shrink the cancer and make it easier to remove.

“The importance of early detection of breast cancer is that the patients’ chances of survival increase. The other advantages are - first, we can do breast conservation surgery, which means we don’t need to remove the entire breast; and second, chemotherapy can be avoided in certain types of early stages of breast cancer,” shares Dr Khandelwal.

The Final Word

Breast cancer is a form of cancer that is caused by uncontrollable growth of abnormal breasts that form tumors, which spreads to other parts of the body. It is important to perform breast self-examination at home regularly, and visit a doctor if any unusual lumps or signs are noticed. Various factors, including genetics and lifestyle, can cause breast cancer in women.