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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Preventive Health Checks Matter for Women

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Preventive Health Checks Matter for Women

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Preventive Health Checks Matter for Women

 

Introduction

 

Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. It accounts for approximately 27–32% of all cancers in women. This is why creating awareness around breast cancer, while also understanding symptoms and methods of diagnosis, is important. October is celebrated as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month to generate international awareness around the issue. Early detection can help improve survival rates significantly, while also allowing for a better chance of full recovery. In this article, learn about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, along with steps to take in case of suspicion of the disease. Educate yourself and your loved one about the various aspects of breast cancer on this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

 

There are several signs of breast cancer, including new and persistent breast changes. These signs should be evaluated by a doctor. Visit your doctor and get tested in case of any of these symptoms -

 

  • Lump or thickening: A new lump or area of thickening in or near the breast. Such thickening can also occur around the armpit area. It is often firm and painless. 
  • Changes in size or shape: Any change in the size or shape of the breast can also be a potential sign.
  • Skin changes: Either dimpling, puckering, or an orange peel texture to the skin; or redness or flaky skin on the breast or nipple. 
  • Pain: Persistent pain in the breast or nipple area. 
  • Nipple: which has turned inverted or discharge from the nipple other than breast milk, particularly if it is bloody or occurs spontaneously from one breast. 
  • Other changes: Swelling of all or part of the breast. 

 

Importance of Preventive Health Check Ups

 

Preventive health check-ups for breast cancer are very important as they help with early detection. With early detection, treatment options and survival rates improve significantly. Regular screenings like mammograms and clinical breast exams are very important forms of preventive health check ups for breast cancer. The aim of Breast Cancer Awareness month is to generate awareness about the importance of regular and preventive screening. Early detection allows for less aggressive treatments and help ensure that symptoms can be treated before they become advanced.

The survival rate for localized breast cancer can be up to 99%, but will significantly decrease in case the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Furthermore, invasive treatment options can be avoided with early screenings and detection. This means early-stage breast cancers may be treated with less extensive surgery, such as a lumpectomy, instead of a full mastectomy.

Due to the importance of regular check-ups and screenings for breast cancer, it is also important to understand what type of health check-ups are done for breast cancer. Learn about the types of preventive health check-ups in the next section.

 

What Type of Health Checkups are Done for Breast Cancer?

 

A number of health check-ups are done for breast cancer. These include screening tests and diagnostic tests as described below –

 

  • Screening tests: These are physical exams done by the doctor to check for lumps and other changes. A screening mammogram is also done which is a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. It is the most common method for detecting breast cancer in the early stages prior to appearance of symptoms.
  • Diagnostic mammogram: This is a detailed X-ray performed if a screening mammogram reflects abnormal results.
  • Breast ultrasound: This requires the use of sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It is often used to investigate an abnormality found on a mammogram.
  • Breast MRI: In this, a magnet and computer are used to create detailed images of the breast. It may be recommended for those at high risk or with dense breasts.
  • Biopsy: This is the only definitive way for a diagnosis in which small sample of tissue is removed from the breast and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
  • Blood tests: These are not a primary diagnostic tool for finding cancer. However, certain blood tests like a complete blood count or blood chemistry tests can provide information during or after treatment.

 

Blood Test Packages for Women with MedCab

 

MedCab offers reliable pathology services all over India. For women, MedCab provides special tests and packages at low prices. We value the convenience and comfort of the customer. This is why our sample collection professional will reach the location of your choosing, be it home or office. Avoid crowded areas and the risk of infections in pathology labs by choosing MedCab’s blood sample collection services from the convenience of your home. Some of the packages offered by MedCab for women include the following –

 

  • Hormonal Profile: The Basic Hormone Profile reports hormone levels, and also calculates the Pg/E2 ratio, which assesses the relationship between estradiol, which can drive cellular proliferation, and progesterone, which mitigates that growth and potentiates cellular differentiation.

 

  • MedCab Infertility / PCOD Care: includes a variety of tests such as Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Estradiol (E2), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin (PRL), HbA1c, FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Blood Sugar Fasting, Thyroid Profile Total, CBC Profile, Urine Profile test and 51 parameters.

 

  • MedCab Cancer Screening – Female: includes 9 essential tests such as CBC, CEA, CA 19.9, CA 125 test, Vitamin D, Liver Function Test, KFT, AFP, and Urine Profile test with 67 parameters.

 

  • MedCab PCOD Package: includes a variety of tests such as Total Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone LH, Insulin, Fasting, Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Prolactin, Glucose Fasting test and 7 parameters.

 

  • MedCab PCOD Package – Advance: includes a variety of tests such as Total Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone LH, Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Prolactin, Glucose Fasting, Insulin Fasting, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) test and 10 parameters.

 

  • MedCab PCOD Package- Comprehensive: includes a variety of tests such as Total Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Thyroid Profile, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS), 17 - Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Prolactin, Lipid Profile, Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and 38 parameters.

 

  • MedCab Basic Tax Saver- Women: 25 tests covering 47 parameters. This package is best for women's complete health care and also offers tax-saving benefits.

 

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, learning about the symptoms and signs of breast cancer is important. It is one of the most common cancers in India and early diagnosis can have many benefits, such as avoidance of invasive treatments and full recovery. MedCab’s Pathology services has provided a detailed look at the symptoms and the methods for screening on this Breast Cancer Awareness month because we value your health. With preventive health check-ups, such as those offered by MedCab’s pathology services, you can ensure you remain healthy and away from major diseases. Book your lab tests with MedCab today.

 

Download the MedCab Mobile App:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.medcab.consumer&hl=en_IN

Learn More About MedCab’s Pathology Services: https://medcab.in/blog-detail/medcabs-pathology-services-home-sample-collection-made-easy

 

References

 

[1] Breast Cancer India, 2020, Are these facts for real?, available at <https://www.breastcancerindia.net/#>

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