Awareness of breast cancer: why young women should not delay their breast exams

Copyright © HT Digital Streams Limit all rights reserved. From the age of 30, all women must undergo a clinical breast exam at least once every three years as part of their routine investigation. (Pexels/Leeloo the first) Summary in a country like India where the disease affects women in their forties, an expert makes a matter why young women in their 20s and 30s should use a more proactive approach, breast cancer is often considered a disease that mainly affects older women. This applies to some extent and a majority of breast cancer occurs in older women (median 64 years) in the Western world where this information comes from. In India, however, the average age at diagnosis is much lower (46-48 years). While breast cancer in young women (younger than 40 years) is less frequent, it tends to be more aggressive and is regularly diagnosed at a later stage, leading to poorer outcomes. Over the past year, a growing incidence of breast cancer has also seen among younger women, making early detection more critical than ever. The awareness of the risks, symptoms and screening methods can help save lives by ensuring timely intervention. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the chest grow uncontrollably and form a crop. Although age remains a significant risk factor, younger women can also develop the disease due to genetic propensity, lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Women with a family history of breast cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, or childhood radiation, are at greater risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age. Unlike older women, younger women often have challenges in early detection due to denser breast tissue, making crops more difficult to detect on mammograms. Since an image -guided performances for women under 40 are not recommended, symptoms may be unnoticed or wrong for benign conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. If detected at an early stage, breast cancer is more manageable and offers more treatment options, including less invasive procedures. The best way to detect breast cancer in younger women is by spreading awareness, performing self-breast examinations and undergoing annual clinical breast exams. Self -examination and awareness of changes in the breasts, such as lumps, nipple drains, persistent pain or changes in shape and size, are of utmost importance to younger women. Although self -examinations are not a substitute for medical performances, they can help women become more familiar with their bodies and detect any abnormalities at an early stage. Steps to take for early detection and prevention of breast cancer 1. Know your risk: Understanding personal risk factors, including family history and genetic propensity, can help women take proactive steps towards screening and prevention. 2.. Regular self -examinations: Performing monthly self -breast exams from 20 years can help with the detection of unusual changes. 3. Clinical breast examinations: From the age of 30, all women must undergo a clinical breast examination at least once every three years as part of their routine investigation. 4. Healthy lifestyle choices: maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake and smoking avoidance can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. 5. Sea medical attention: Any unusual changes or persistent symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation. As a side note, it is important to say that these tips are for women who have an average risk. In women who have a family history of cancers or know genetic mutations or are in the high -risk category for cancer development, the screening schedule and supervision are very different and should consult an oncologist to understand their options. Younger women need to be trained on the risks and the importance of early detection. By promoting awareness, encouraging regular investigations and advocating for research and better screening methods, we can improve the outcomes and save lives. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to breast cancer, early detection is the key to survival. Dr. Karishma Kirti is a consultant breast specialist and oncoplastic surgeon in Mumbai. Catch all the business news, market news, news reports and latest news updates on Live Mint. Download the Mint News app to get daily market updates. More Topics #Women #Women Empowerment #Healthcare Read Next Story