Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Oct 27: Mangalore Institute of Oncology conducted a breast cancer awareness programme here, on Saturday October 27 at Mangalore Institute of Oncology premises, Pumpwell.

Speaking on the occasion, consultant radiation oncologist, Dr D Suresh Rao said, "October is observed as breast cancer awareness day. We contribute to society's knowledge regarding breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in India. The risk is as high as one in 10 women who will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer awareness sn very important and early detection is also very important as its a curable disease. When it is detected early, breast cancer is curable, hence detection should be done early. Three ways of detecting breast cancer early, self examination of the breast which is done by lady surgeons, must be done every month. Clinical examination by doctors and mammography and ultrasound should be done annually. So these three will help in detection of breast cancer at an early stage and can be cured."

Consultant medical oncologist, Dr Krishna Prasad said, "Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. The good thing about breast cancer is that it can be detected early. Three things are necessary for people to know and they are how to do breast self examination, they should be seen by a qualified doctor once a year for a clinical examination and also ultra sound and mammography need to be done. Breast cancer is highly curable if detected early and highly lethal if detected late."

During this awareness programme, the interested individuals were screened as per the criteria and examined by consultants/trained lady staff. During this awareness programme, breast self examination is taught, clinical examination and ultra sound/mammogram (if indicated) are carried out.