PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, Mar 20: The battle with cancer is never easy and the side effects are often drastic, lowering the immunity of a person suffering from it and making normal life difficult. While there are certain factors like genetics and family history that are not in our control, appropriate lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of cancer must be adopted.
In an exclusive interview with lagatar24.com, Dr. Gunjesh Kumar Singh, Consultant Oncologist at Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Superspecialty Hospital said that breast cancer develops when cells proliferate out of control and spreads to other parts of the body, beginning in either one or both breasts. Although it primarily affects women, men are not impervious to the condition.
“Age, personal history of breast cancer, inherited risk of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, reproductive history resulting in greater exposure to estrogen, taking hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause, use of oral contraceptive pills, radiation therapy to the breast or chest, obesity, drinking alcohol, late childbirth after the age of 35 years are all the factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer,” said Dr. Gunjesh.
Talking about preventive measures Dr. Gunjesh said, “There is no way to prevent breast cancer. However, a person can take steps to significantly reduce their risk which includes maintaining a moderate body mass index, getting enough exercise, having a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding birth control pills after the age of 35.”
Describing the symptoms, Dr. Gunjesh said that the first symptom of breast cancer is usually an area of thickened tissue in the breast or a lump in the breast or armpit. Other symptoms include nipple discharge (blood or serous), sunken or inverted nipple, change in size or shape of the breast, colour change such as redness in the skin of the breast and scaling of the skin of the breast or nipple.
Talking about the treatment, Dr. Gunjesh said that the most effective approach depends on several factors such as type and stage of cancer, sensitivity to hormones and the person’s age, overall health and preferences. The main treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery, biological therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
