• IS BREAST CANCER A COMMON DISEASE?
Breast cancer is one of the rampant diseases in women
today. 5 out of every 100 women in India are estimated to
suffer from breast cancer. Though more prevalent in older
women, women of all ages are susceptible.
Breast Cancer cannot be prevented. But it is curable if
diagnosed on time. Early detection, through Mammography,
makes it possible taod minister the correct treatment,
saving your breast and your life.
• WHEN SHOULD MAMMOGRAPHY BE
DONE?
It is advisable for women
who have crossed 30 years
to have a base
mammography done. After
40, an annual routine
mammography is
recommended to check the quality of the breast tissue.
It is imperative for those women who show some indicative
signs such as lumps, nipple discharge, unusual pain, etc.
Apart from these, if you have a first degree relative (mother/
sister) who has had some indicationhsa osr suffered from
breast cancer, you are at considerable risk. A
mammography is then mandatory.
• WHAT IS SCREENING
MAMMOGRAPHY?
This is the only way to detect and be
felt physically.
• HOW DOES THIS WORK?
The breast is placed in a special holder, compressed and Xrayed.
The mild dosage of X-ray helps to determine the
cancer (if any), its progress and reaction to the treatment.
This is not a painful procedure, but there may be momentary
discomfort.
• HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MAMMOGRAM?
There is no major preparation procedure required, but there
are a few guidelines which need to be followed.
- Inform your doctor and technologist if you are
pregnant.
- Avoid using deodorant, talcum powder or any
perfume under the arms or breast area.
- Loose fitted, easily removable clothing is advised.
• HOW TO PERFORM A SELF EXAMINATION?
The breast self examination technique is painless and simple.
It is recommended for all women above 18-20 years. Ideally
performed once a month, it should be done 1 week after
periods or on a fixed day in case of irregularity in the
menstrual cycle.
There are three steps and are easy to handle. Expert
technicians at ARC helps you to learn the technique.
• HOW DOES EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST
CANCER HELP?
The most important benefit of detection of Breast Cancer
through Mammography is increased possibility of survival.
And enabling better treatment options like breast conservation.
Timely treatment can lower probabilty of recurrence. And
can help keep the cost of treatment lower.
• DO PROPER DIETS HELP?
Yes. Medical Research is beginning to find trends between
one's diet and various forms of cancer.
It is important to eat a balanced diet high in fiber, fruits and
vegetables, and low in saturated fats.
Vitamins A, C and E all show promising signs in assisting
the fight against cancer.
• AGE DETAIL PROTOCOL
The ideal time frames for detection:
Examination stages |
35 - 39
years |
40 - 49
years |
50 years
and above |
Breast self examination |
Monthly |
Monthly |
Monthly |
Examination
by doctor |
2-3 years |
1 - 2 years |
Yearly |
Mammogram |
Baseline |
1 - 2 years |
Yearly |
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