Breast Cancer

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most widespread cancer in women. The most common symptom of breast cancer is the formation of a lump in the breast. However, not all women with breast cancer develop lumps or lumps in their breasts. Other symptoms of breast cancer include peeling of the skin above the breast, leakage of fluid from the nipple, and the presence of lumps in the neck and armpits.

With advances in medicine and technology, many innovative (new) diagnostic tools are now available, making it easier to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. Breast cancer progresses through four different stages, therefore, early detection of the disease helps in faster treatment, thus increasing the survival rate.

Diagnostic tools include mammography, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans), and assessment of fluid and tissues present in the breast. Huge advances in biotechnology have made it possible to identify defective genes or genes responsible for breast cancer. Research on protein markers has made it easier to determine an appropriate treatment regimen for breast cancer.

Treatment of the disease ranges from conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy to new nanotechnology-based therapies. Regular exercise, weight control, and breastfeeding for at least six months after delivery can help prevent breast cancer to some extent.

However, a strong family history of breast cancer greatly increases the risk of the disease in later generations. Therefore, in such cases, regular health check-ups can be helpful in diagnosing or diagnosing breast cancer. Complicated situations arise when cancerous tissues invade normal tissues of the body, for example, pain caused by pressure on adjacent tissues, congested blood vessels and nerves, and much more.

However, most complications are caused by adverse effects of breast cancer treatment, for example, hair loss, vomiting, decreased white blood cell count, and others. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the key to increasing the survival rate of this dreaded disease. Depending on the severity and extent of the cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are the three most common methods of treatment.

Treatment of breast cancer:

 With breast cancer curable and early diagnosis and adherence to proper hygiene, complications can be greatly reduced. The mortality rate in rural India is much higher than in urban India, therefore, better health awareness and early diagnosis can help reduce mortality.

Conventional medicine 

Common treatments for breast cancer include breast conservation surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. 

• Breast Conservation Surgery This process involves the removal (removal) of only a portion of the cancerous breast to prevent further spread of cancer cells. This is done in the case of a locally restricted tumor, which has not spread to surrounding tissues.Therefore, surgical removal of the affected area of ​​the breast is the best option to prevent further growth of the cancer. In this type of surgery, healthy breast tissue is not removed and the breast is preserved. In areas where cancer has spread widely, breast removal may be necessary.In such cases, breast implants can be performed to restore the appearance of the body in a second surgery, known as breast reconstruction surgery.
• Radiation therapy After surgery, the area is treated with radiation to help destroy cancerous cells. However, it does involve certain side effects and can leave the area sensitive, red, moist, and sore.
• Chemotherapy It involves the systematic application of various anti-cancer drugs orally or by injection. The duration of treatment depends on the severity and stage of the breast cancer.

Adjuvant (collaborative or effective) therapy

It involves endocrine therapy that balances or blocks hormones that can increase the risk of cancer.

Fancy (new) techniques in the treatment of breast cancer 

• Nanotechnology has proven to be a successful method involving the application of nano-sized (extremely small) suitable drugs, that way, targeting cancer cells with extreme precision. 
• Nucleic acid technology is another way to suppress the expression of cancer-causing genes (genes) using special drugs.

Immunomodulation

 This approach involves the use of cytokines (chemicals released by the immune system) to increase resistance against cancer cells.

 Use of natural remedies 

Some phytoconstrictors derived from some vegetables, such as curcumin, galactose, and lycopene, have been shown to be effective in treating breast cancer.

Managing lifestyle 

In India, about 45% of breast cancers are reported at the metastatic stage (cancer that has spread from the original source to other parts). Some lifestyle changes may be helpful in managing breast cancer. There are: Keep the weight right. Avoid eating fatty foods. Exercise regularly. Avoid drinking alcohol. Breastfeeding for up to one year after delivery. Regular breast examination. Eating healthy and balanced foods rich in antioxidants.

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