Things you need to know

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1 BREAST CANCER Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Indian women. This article explores the ways to cope with it

2 Sandhya beamed at her reflection in the mirror at forty five, she looked gorgeous. It was her birthday, and she had never felt so good before. A couple of months ago, she had wondered whether she would live to see her next birthday. A gentle shiver passed through her body, as she remembered that fateful day She had been to her doctor for her routine yearly check up, and he asked her to undergo a mammogram! She still remembers the paralyzing fear that gripped her, when she heard him saying mammogram for breast cancer. Her breasts didn t hurt after all; nor did she feel anything unusual! She felt dazed as she went through a battery of tests and a biopsy. It was a painful and emotional battle! At last, a sense of relief flooded her, when the lump turned out to be harmless. Sandhya s story is one of hope all is not lost, if you have a breast lump. In fact, not all breast lumps are cancerous. Do you want to know more about breast cancer? Read on If you have turned forty and have come back from your routine medical exam all worried because you have been asked to undergo a mammogram, do not get anxious! Just being advised to do a mammogram does not mean that you have breast cancer. Mammography is recommended at least once in 2 years for all women, who are 40 years and above, and once a year for those over 50 years. A mammogram is the best available test that can detect breast cancer in its early stages. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better are the chances to treat and cure it. Risk factors such as your genes and family history are not under your control. However, a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce your overall risk of developing cancer. Breast cancer is sensitive to the hormone estrogen, which can increase the size of the cancerous growth. Experts recommend women over the age of twenty to do a self breast examination once a month (after their menstrual period) and get examined by a medical professional every 3 years. Once over 40 years, women are advised to undergo an annual breast examination by a medical professional. Things you need to know A cancer that starts in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. The breasts consist of tissues that produce milk (lobules) and tubes (ducts) that carry the milk to the nipples. Cancer that originates in the milk producing cells is called lobular carcinoma, while the cancer that begins in the ducts is called ductal carcinoma. Rarely, breast cancer starts from the other tissues of the breast. Regular check ups and breast examinations are important, as early stage breast cancer usually does not produce any symptoms. Slowly, as the cancer progresses, you may feel a painless, hard lump in the breast or armpit. Sometimes, you may notice a change in the size, shape, or feel of the nipple or some fluid discharge from it. As the disease progresses further, bone pain, skin ulcer, breast pain, arm swelling

3 (usually only one arm), and loss of weight can develop. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, whether the cancer is sensitive to hormones or whether you have a genetic defect. Treatment is usually patient specific and what is right for one may not apply to the other. If detected early, your doctor may choose to remove the lump, a part of the breast or the entire breast (mastectomy). This is followed by radiotherapy. However, if the cancer is in an advanced stage, you may be advised a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Contrary to what is believed, very often, women who do not have a family history, develop breast cancer. It is also true that breast cancer can occur at any age and not only in older women. There is no proof that antiperspirants, underarm sprays, birth control pills, and fatty foods can cause breast cancer. Though breast cancer occurs mainly in women, men can also develop breast cancer, as they too have breast tissue. But, as this cancer is far less common in men, many believe that only women get breast cancer, often ignoring the early signs of breast cancer, attributing the symptoms to infection or another cause. The symptoms of breast cancer in men include a breast lump, pain, and tenderness. Coping with breast cancer You may go through mixed emotions, if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially, it could be anger, fear, depression, hopelessness, and stress. This can lead to vague body ache and pain, lack of sleep, fatigue, and irritability. Try to share your feelings with whomever you are comfortable, as it will make you feel better. Once you have come to terms with the reality, you may also have fears about loss of fertility, loss of sexual function, looking less attractive with the loss of the whole or a part of the breast, and the fear of the cancer spreading. Your physical and emotional strength will improve, if you take time to talk to your family, friends, or colleagues and even join a support group. Remember, you are not alone. There are many women in a similar or even worse situation. Making a few lifestyle changes will help you to cope with breast cancer. Healthy diet Pay a little more attention to what you eat and drink, as this will help you to cope better by boosting your immunity and stamina. Dairy products like milk and cheese will help to regain or maintain your weight. Make it a point to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and avoid caffeinated drinks. You can add more fruits, vegetables, and yogurt to your diet to prevent constipation. Get help You may not be able to cope with your treatment alone, so do not hesitate to ask for help. Get someone to help you with your routine domestic work. It is

4 alright to ask your doctor for medications to help cope with any side effects of the cancer or treatment. Following treatment, you can develop nausea, vomiting, change in taste and smell, or even difficulty in chewing and swallowing. You can also look for and organize home healthcare assistance. Take care of your skin and hair, as your treatment can have a drying effect. Use body moisturizers and shampoos suitable for damaged hair. If necessary, even get a wig, as it can help you to look and feel better. Exercise regularly Mild regular exercise will reduce fatigue and improve your circulation, muscle tone, mood, and outlook on life. Try Yoga, meditation, Tai chi, or water aerobics. Take up some light gardening or any other relaxing activity. Take a break Going through treatment for breast cancer can be exhaustive. Give yourself a mini vacation to refresh and rejuvenate. Take the weekend off to visit a resort, beauty spot, concert, art gallery, museum, or whatever else you desire. Try to distract your attention from your ailment by reading humorous books, watching comedy movies, or cooking a meal in the company of people who are caring and positive. Spiritual anchor Join a prayer group or encourage visits or phone calls from your faith group in order to help you heal not only physically but emotionally too. You will slowly progress; your stress will reduce; you will relax better; and your sleep will improve. Express yourself Do not bottle up your emotions. Get a small notebook and write down your feelings. Listen to relaxing music. If you are a creative person, draw, paint, or sculpt. It will help you to release your emotions and relax. Get your priorities right Do not let negative thoughts or people to bother you. Going through the turmoil of the ailment will require a lot of resolve and positivity. Right now, your priority is to cope, get well, and move on. So, use your energies to survive and survive well. Educate yourself Learn more about your condition, ask doubts, get guidance, and read books to understand your condition better. Support groups Join a support group. This will help you cope with your condition even better. Sandhya never gets tired of sharing her experience with her friends, relatives, and even contacts. She is a member of a cancer support group. Sharing the experience of coping with cancer is mutually beneficial to all the group members. Support groups like Sahayta offer emotional, social, and financial support to those suffering from cancer. CAN STOP provides support to those afflicted with cancer, while the Cancer

5 Aid and Research Foundation spreads awareness about the disease.