Breast Cancer: Myths, causes, symptoms of the most common cancer in Indian women

Breast cancer represents one in four cancers diagnosed among women globally, according to Globocan 2020, an online database for global cancer statistics. It is also the most common cancer among females in India - accounting for 14 percent of all cancers in women, according to Cancer India.

As per the National Cancer Registry Programme data of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the estimated number of incidences of breast cancer in the country was 1,42,283 in 2016. This increased by 12 percent in 2018 to 1,59,924. According to BreastCancer.org, less than 1 percent of all breast cancers in India occur in men.

Every year, October is observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the rising cases of breast cancer globally and to raise funds for charities and research projects that support cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Mid-day.com reached out to Dr Aditi Agrawal, consultant breast oncosurgeon and oncoplasty surgeon at city-based Wockhardt Hospital, to understand the most common causes and symptoms of breast cancer and to gain clarity on some common beliefs or misconceptions about the disease.

Separating facts from common myths

a. Wearing padded or wired bras can cause breast cancer

No, underwire bras do not cause breast cancer. There is a matter of concern that underwires in the bra tend to restrict the flow of lymph fluid in the breast, causing toxins to build up. However, there is no proof available to back up this claim. So wearing a wired bra tends to cause discomfort, pain, or swelling but not cancer.

b. Lumps in the breast are an indication of cancer

Lump or mass in the breast is one of the common symptoms of breast cancer. The mass can be hard, sometimes painful. But you need to know that not all lumps are cancer. Thus, the mass can be seen owing to various reasons such as breast cysts which are fluid-filled sacs in breast tissue that are usually benign. Fibroadenoma is the commonest non-cancerous mass seen among young women. Lipoma is also one such lump of tissues. Fibrocystic disease may also be present as a lump in the breast.

c. Sleeping with a bra on can cause breast cancer

This is false. There is no research or a study to prove the association that sleeping with a bra on can cause cancer.

d. Only women are diagnosed with breast cancer

Breast cancer is more common in females but it is also seen in men. Male breast cancer is seen in the breast tissue of men. If an individual spots symptoms such as lumps, and tenderness, soreness, discharge from the breast, itchy skin around nipples, inverted nipple, and breast pain then they should consult a doctor.

Is breast cancer hereditary?

About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary that are directly related to gene changes (mutations) passed on from a parent. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common causes of hereditary breast cancer, caused due to inherited mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2-- the breast cancer gene.

Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol excessively

Smoking may not necessarily cause breast cancer but it increases the risk of cancer and is responsible for poor wound healing. Thus, it is better to cut down on it in order to stay healthy and hearty.

Alcohol can raise the levels of oestrogen and other hormones linked to hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Alcohol may increase the chances of breast cancer by destroying the DNA in cells. It is a good idea to limit alcohol intake, and improve the quality of life.

What are the major causes of breast cancer?

There are various factors like age, a personal history of breast conditions, family history of gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, obesity, beginning menses before age 12, menopause at an older age, taking postmenopausal hormone therapy, alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle can invite breast cancer.

In case of a risk, what are common symptoms to watch out for?

Breast lumps, changes in the breast size, shape and look, dimpling, inverted nipple, peeling, scaling, crusting, or swelling of the breast, and abnormal discharge from the breast are some of the prominent symptoms of breast cancer.

When and how often must one get tested?

A mammogram can help spot breast changes that could turn into cancer years before the physical symptoms develop. It is essential for each and every woman to go for timely mammograms every year after 40 years of age. Regular breast self-examination should be done monthly from the age of 18 years.

What lifestyle changes could reduce the risk of cancer?

To reduce the risk of breast cancer, one needs to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eating a well-balanced diet inclusive of vital nutrients and legumes, peas, beans and lentils is important. One must try to limit consuming processed and canned food.

Exercising regularly to maintain an optimum weight is also something one must focus on. It is also crucial to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Also, girls above 20 years of age should do a breast self-examination on a monthly basis; one can follow the given steps:

a. Stand in front of the mirror, keep the shoulders straight and arms on the hips. Check for any sort of swelling, dimpling, soreness, rash, puckering, unusual shape, and color.

b. Raise your arms and then check for any abnormal changes in the breast like redness, discharge from nipple or even tenderness. Check the breast while standing and look for any changes by moving the finger in a circular motion.

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