On the eve of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals has started an awareness campaign ‘Go Pink, Get Screened’, which aims at highlighting the fact that early detection of breast cancer can help fight the deadly disease. This campaign at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals Noida provides discount on various breast checkups at the hospital premises.

Dr Ramesh Sarin, senior consultant, Surgical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “Detection in stage I holds almost 90 per cent chance of cure, while detection in stage III has minimal chance of cure. Cure rates in the west have improved entirely because of a generation of mass awareness leading to early detection and treatment. The most important means for this is awareness about the disease and self-discovery, rather than accidental discovery, as presently happens in many cases. Learn to do breast self-examination. It can happen to anyone. Talk about it. Breast Cancer is different from most other concerns as it has non-toxic treatment available to cure.”

It is estimated that by 2025, breast cancer cases will double, leading to an alarming rise of such cases in women. By regularizing breast cancer screenings, the early signs can be diagnosed well in time and treatment can be initiated promptly. Some early signs of cancer include lumps, sores that fail to heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent indigestion, and chronic hoarseness.

Dr Harsh Dua, senior consultant, Medical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “Monthly self-examination, monthly check-up by doctors and regular screening helps to reduce mortality due to breast cancer. Screening can help in diagnosing breast cancer early. Early detection of cancer increases the chances of a successful treatment.”

Every year, 100,000 women are detected with breast cancer in India. In other words, one in 28 Indian women are likely to develop this problem every year, compared to one in seven in western countries. With increasing industrialization and lifestyle changes, the rates in India will rise to match the western figure.

Dr Sapna Nangia, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explained that early breast cancer detection via screening mammography is the most effective way to reduce mortality from the disease. She added, “Many young women ignore the initial signs, such as a breast lump or an unusual discharge.  It is advisable women get themselves checked once they reach 30 years of age, instead of 40. Women younger than forty require a clinical breast examination for screening.”