By Dr Basila Ali 

Mangaluru, Nov 12: There has been an increase in the incidence of breast cancer in India, thus making it the commonest cancer among Indian women. Although the incidence of breast cancer is less than women from Western countries, the mortality rates are much higher in comparison. Breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers and the easiest way to improve cure rates is to diagnose breast cancer at an earlier stage. This can only be achieved with increasing awareness in our population and removing stigma that women face while discussing symptoms arising from the breast or the fear associated with cancer diagnosis. Women above the age of 20 are advised to monthly breast self-examinations that are taught by medical professionals. 

The commonest sign of an early breast cancer is that of a painless breast lump. Patients tend to ignore it due to the absence of pain, however earliest breast cancer lumps tend to be painless. Sometimes, they may not be well defined lumps and may only be felt as a thickening or swelling in the breast. Thus, all painless breast lumps or thickening need to be evaluated and diagnosed early. 

Breast cancer can present as blood stained nipple discharge or serous discharge. nipple cracking and flaking of the skin over the nipple may also be an early sign of cancer. Recent onset retraction or pulling in of the nipple can occur due to an underlying cancer. 

Breast cancer may also present as lump in the axilla or multiple lumps in the breast. In advances stages, they can also present as changes in the skin like redness, oedema, ulceration and discharge. In these stages, breast cancer will also be associated with pain. The goal is to identify cancer before if advances to stages with these ominous signs.

By Dr Basila Ali is a breast surgeon at KMC Hospital Dr B R Ambedkar Circle, Mangaluru.