Breast Cancer and the Power of Early Detection

What Every Woman Should Know

Just hearing the words, Breast Cancer, can bring a wave of anxiety to a woman. Yes, Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women today, especially in metro cities. But here’s the hopeful truth—when detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable and the chances of survival are significantly higher. Early detection doesn’t just save lives—it improves the quality of those lives by making treatment less aggressive and more effective.

So, here’s what you need to know about breast cancer and how to catch it early.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can be felt as a lump or seen on medical imaging. Though it primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer. It is one of the most common cancers among women globally especially due to our modern lifestyle.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection can:

• Increase the chances of successful treatment.
• Allow for less aggressive treatment options.
• Lower the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
• Reduce treatment costs and emotional stress.
• In fact, when breast cancer is found early—before it has spread beyond the breast—the 5-year survival rate is about 99%.

Key Methods of Early Detection

1. Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

• It involves becoming familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and helps you notice changes early.
• Perform it monthly, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends.
• Look for lumps, dimpling, nipple discharge or changes in size/shape.

2. Clinical Breast Exam

• Conducted by a doctor or nurse during routine check-ups.
• Helps catch anything that might not be obvious during self-exams.

3. Mammography

• It’s a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect tumours before they can be felt.
• Recommended every 1–2 years for women over 40 or earlier for those with higher risk.
• Breast compression can be painful or uncomfortable, discouraging some women from regular screening.
• Mammograms may detect something suspicious that turns out to be non-cancerous.

4. Thermal Imaging / Thermography

• It is a non-invasive, radiation-free technique that uses infrared cameras to detect heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues.
• Since cancer cells tend to grow rapidly and generate more heat than normal tissues, thermography can detect abnormal activity before a tumour forms.

5. Ultrasound and MRI

• These are not primary diagnostic tools but supplementary tools.
• They are especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue or high genetic risk.

Know Your Risk Factors

Some risk factors are beyond your control, but knowing them helps guide decisions:

• Age: Risk increases with age.
• Family History: A mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer raises your risk.
• Genetics: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations can significantly increase risk.
• Hormone Exposure: Early menstruation, late menopause and hormone therapy can raise risk.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor diet and lack of exercise are lifestyle-related risks.

What You Can Do Today

• Schedule regular check-ups
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle
• Learn and practice breast self-exams
• Share awareness with other women

Breast cancer doesn’t have to be feared. Awareness, vigilance and action can turn fear into empowerment. Early detection doesn’t just save lives—it gives women more years of health, laughter, happiness and life.