Breast cancer awareness month: Know symptoms and common misconceptions

Breast cancer is a common cancer found in women in which abnormal cells grow out of control and forming tumors subsequently. In India, one women is diagnosed with breast cancer every four minutes, and for every two women diagnosed, one dies. Approximately cancer occurring in women comes with no specific risk factors other than sex and age. However the rapid increase of this disease also comes with certain misconceptions that people should be aware of. 

Cancer is a disease of old age: Although the risk of striking breast cancer to teenagers is slightly low, yet it can occur in any age. However it is most likely to occur in women above 40s.

Obesity: The chances of having breast cancer increases in obese women but non obese women are no less prone.

IVF increases the risk: Doctors have maintained that there is no increased risk of breast cancer with IVF treatment.

All lumps in the breast signal cancer: Not all lumps in the breast are cancer. However any new lump should be examined thoroughly. 

Breast injury can cause breast cancer: A breast injury produces certain fats which looks like cancer but an injury doesn't causes cancer.

Since cancer cannot be prevented however with early diagnosis and right treatment, it can be cured. For early detection there are also certain symptoms that one should not avoid if posses.

Key Symptoms:

• Lumps in breast
• Thickening of breasts
• Nipple discharge
• Inverted Nipples
• Chronic pain in breast, chest or collarbone
• Swelling beneath the armpit

With certain health conditions also come several misconceptions that can cloud one's judgment. Cancer cannot be prevented but can be cured to certain extent. Early detection can make big difference. Cancer is a product of the processes essential to the life process.