New Delhi, October 15 (IANS). Alerting people about breast cancer, doctors said that lump in the breast is a common symptom. This can happen without any reason. For this he has advised self-examination and screening.

October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. It is a major public health concern in the country with high mortality rates.

According to recent research released by ICMR, breast cancer cases and deaths are expected to increase rapidly in India by 2045.

However, experts say that it is important to detect cancer in its early stages so that treatment outcomes as well as survival rates of women suffering from it can be improved.

Dr. Abhishek Shankar, assistant professor, department of radiation oncology, Dr. BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS, Delhi, told IANS, “The most common symptom in breast cancer is a lump in the breast. Apart from this, it can also be under the arm or near the collarbone.” “Swelling or lumps, discharge from the nipple, and changes in the skin over the breast may appear.”

“Redness or rash on the skin of the breast or nipple, change in breast shape and breast pain are symptoms of malignant cancer,” the doctor said.

According to ICMR, breast cancer cases accounted for 28.2 percent of all female cancers in India in 2022. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is 66.4 percent.

Breast cancer can be detected early with screening tests and mammography is a standard recommended screening test which reduces mortality. According to guidelines updated in 2024 by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, it is recommended to start every 2 years starting at age 40.

Dr Divya Sehra, consultant gynecological oncology at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, told IANS, “Breast cancer can occur even without any symptoms. That is why the role of screening through mammogram or breast MRI is important, as it reduces the mortality rate.” A reduction of more than 30 percent has been observed.

“When the tumor grows towards the skin, skin changes such as redness and pain are common,” Sehra said. Metastatic cancer shows common symptoms such as weight loss, back pain or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

–IANS

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