Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed every year during October, plays an important role in raising awareness about breast cancer, its prevention and early detection. The day reminds us of the importance of regular checkups, self-examinations and timely medical checkups to detect breast cancer in its early stages.
Before we look into the lesser known facts about breast cancer, let's review what we already know: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in India, surpassing oral and cervical cancer, and It is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Dr. Kabir Rahmani, surgical oncologist at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, emphasizes that “Breast cancer has an excellent outcome (completely curable) if diagnosed early.” He also highlighted how screening tools such as mammography have revolutionized early detection, which has greatly improved survival rates.
Self-examination, along with timely clinical screening and regular mammography by healthcare providers, has become one of the most effective preventive measures for breast cancer.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in October, let us know some interesting facts that may surprise you:
1. Not all breast lumps are cancerous
Although finding a lump in your breast can be worrying, most of these lumps—especially in younger women—are benign (noncancerous). However, if you are over 40, any new lump should be evaluated immediately. It's also important to remember that breast cancer can still occur in younger women, so vigilance is important at any age.
2. Only 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary
Contrary to popular belief, most women with breast cancer do not inherit the disease. Family history increases the risk, but it is not a guarantee. If you have close relatives who have had breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier and get genetic testing. A woman who has a relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had breast cancer is almost twice as likely to develop it. If several close relatives have had it, your risk triples.
3. Breast removal is not the only surgical option
Mastectomy is not the only treatment option. Today, there are breast-conserving surgeries such as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, where only the cancerous tissue is removed, leaving as much healthy tissue as possible. There are also nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies. Breast reconstruction can often be performed simultaneously with breast removal, providing more options for preserving body image.
4. Men can also get breast cancer
Although rare (0.5–1% incidence), men can develop breast cancer. Risk factors include family history and conditions that increase estrogen levels. The same principles of self-examination and being aware of warning signs apply to men, making early detection equally important.
5. Breast cancer is one of the most survivable cancers
With advances in early detection and treatment, breast cancer survival rates have improved significantly. The chances of survival vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but overall, the prognosis is much better than before.
6. Survivors are at risk for second cancer
Breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of developing a second cancer, either due to treatment side effects or genetic factors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. This is why continued vigilance and regular checkups are important even after successful treatment.
7. You can reduce your risk of breast cancer
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing junk food and sugar intake (to prevent obesity) are important. Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco also play an important role. Drinking just one alcoholic drink a day increases the risk slightly, while drinking two to five drinks a day increases it by one and a half times.
Don't be afraid of a breast cancer diagnosis – early detection makes a big difference. Be active, stay informed and take responsibility for your health. Remember, breast cancer is curable if detected early.