Early Detection and Screening: Saving Lives from Breast Cancer

 At times, breast cancer is found after the occurrence of symptoms, but in many cases, breast cancer has no symptoms. This is why regular screening of breast cancer is extremely important. Screening and early detection of breast cancer play a significant role in individuals' health. Screening tests can be very helpful in the early detection of breast cancer at an early stage when it has not progressed and the probability of survival is highest.

Whether you are prepared to get your first-ever screening mammogram or looking to know more about follow-up tests following an abnormal outcome, learning about screening tests and the need for early detection of breast cancer can help individuals take charge of their health.

Screening of Breast Cancer:

The common tests for breast cancer detection are screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. Screening tests are used to find breast cancer in an individual without warning signs or symptoms. 

What is a screening mammogram? 

It is a test that uses X-rays to take breast images. Nowadays, it's the most promising screening test used to detect breast cancer in most cases. With the help of screening mammograms, breast cancer can be detected early, sometimes up to ten years before it can be found by you or your clinician.

This test takes around 15 minutes. On your screening day, wear a shirt you can take off easily. Do not use perfume, deodorant, powder, or lotion on the breast or under your arms. These products may show up on a mammogram and make it difficult to read.

You may experience some pressure, but getting a mammogram shouldn't hurt. Let your technologist know if you feel discomfort during the test.

When should one get a breast cancer screening test?

• Women at average risk: Such women should talk with a clinician about which screening tests are apt for them. They should have a mammogram each year starting at age 40. They should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years, starting by the age of 20 and every year by the age of 40.
• Women at higher risk: Such women should talk with their clinicians about which screening tests are apt for them and when to start screening. They must be screened earlier and more often than all those at average risk.
• Men at higher risk: For men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation, there are specific screening recommendations for breast and certain other cancers.
• Transgender people: For transgenders, breast cancer screening recommendations are personalized and differ by age, sex (at birth), personal risk of breast cancer, etc.

About Follow-up Tests:

In most cases, the mammogram results will be good news. It will show no indication of breast cancer. In case of abnormal outcomes, follow-up tests can be considered to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer. Occasionally, cancer of the breast can be ruled out through a follow-up diagnostic mammogram, breast MRI, or breast ultrasound.

• Diagnostic mammogram
• Breast ultrasound 
• Breast MRI
• Biopsy

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence. Self-examination and regular screenings can save lives. Through self-examinations, women may notice the breast skin feels hard, tender, or warm, with peeling, redness, or flaking of the nipple skin. Some may experience skin dimpling or nipple retraction (nipple turning inward). Some women may feel nipple discharge. These symptoms may or may not occur with breast pain. Apart from this, some early signs of breast cancer to look for are changes in breast color, swelling in any breast part or swollen lymph nodes under the arm, itchy/irritated breasts, or changes in breast size/shape.

Reference:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html

https://marathonforbreastcancer.blogspot.com/2023/08/early-detection-and-screening-saving.html

Breaking Stereotypes: Men and Breast Cancer

 Breast cancer is often associated with women, but it's important to recognize that men can be affected by this disease as well. While it's relatively rare in men, breast cancer carries similar risks and potential consequences for both genders. 

Though men account for a small percentage of breast cancer cases, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of awareness, early detection, and understanding the unique challenges they may face. Men need to be made aware of the potential early indications and symptoms of breast cancer, which include a lump in the breast tissue, changes to the nipple, or dimpling of the skin.

 Any unusual changes should be promptly reported to a healthcare professional for evaluation.

The associated risk factors for breast cancer in men are somewhat different than those in women. Family history, genetic mutations, radiation exposure, and certain hormonal treatments are some of the known risk factors. Being aware of these factors can help men take proactive measures to reduce their risk, such as undergoing regular screenings and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

One of the challenges men with breast cancer face is the lack of awareness and stigma surrounding the disease. Many men might not suspect breast cancer when they experience symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Increasing awareness about male breast cancer can help overcome this barrier and encourage men to seek medical attention without hesitation.

Male breast cancer treatment choices are comparable to those for female breast cancer patients and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. 

 The treatment approach depends on the stage of the cancer and individual health factors.

In India, raising awareness about male breast cancer is particularly important due to prevailing gender norms and limited understanding. Educational campaigns, support groups, and initiatives by healthcare organizations can contribute to breaking down barriers and dispelling myths.

In conclusion, breast cancer is not exclusive to women, and men can be affected by it too. Creating awareness, promoting early detection, and offering support are vital steps in ensuring that men with breast cancer receive timely and effective care. By acknowledging that breast cancer can impact anyone, regardless of gender, we can take significant strides in combating this disease.Joining hands in spreading awareness,Ikris Pharma Network has announced the highly anticipated "Ikris Run," This event will symbolize unity and determination, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds to contribute to an essential cause.

Breast cancer is still a serious problem that affects many people all over the world. Ikris Pharma Network has adopted an upbeat position in raising awareness of breast cancer and encouraging action since it recognizes the necessity of tackling this issue.

References:

• https://thepharmatimes.in/ikris-pharma-takes-strides-against-breast-cancer-with-the-inspiring-ikris-run-uniting-communities-for-awareness-and-action/
• https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/81110159.pdf

What is Darunavir? Price, Availability, And Generic Supplier

 FDA Approved: Yes (First approved June 23, 2006)

Generic Brand: Daruvir

Generic Name: Darunavir

Dosage form: Tablets

Previous Name: TMC114

Approved for: HIV Infection

Company: Janssen Pharma, Inc.

Darunavir Overview:

Darunavir is supplied under the generic brand name Daruvir. This prescription medication is approved by the FDA for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children aged 3 years and older. The medication Darunavir is always used in conjunction with another HIV medicine ritonavir and other medicines.

Darunavir falls under the class of HIV medicines named protease inhibitors (PIs). These PIs inhibit an HIV enzyme known as protease. By inhibiting protease, PIs help in preventing HIV from multiplying and can scale down the aggregation of HIV in the body.

Taking a combination of HIV drugs (known as an HIV treatment regimen) every day helps individuals with HIV live longer, quality of life. These medicines also scale down the probability of HIV transmission.

Darunavir Dosage Form:

Darunavir is a HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) protease inhibitor. The FDA-approved dosage form of this medicine is 75 mg tablets, 150 mg tablets, 600 mg tablets, 800 mg tablets, and 100 mg/mL oral suspension (an oral suspension is a mixture of a drug and a liquid that can be taken orally).

Take darunavir as per your health specialist's instructions. Take darunavir along with ritonavir constantly with food. If your child is prescribed this medicine, follow the words for using the medicine given to you by your health specialist. Always take darunavir together with the HIV medicine ritonavir and other HIV medicines.

Where to Buy Darunavir Tablets:

Darunavir 75 mg, 150 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg tablets are prescription medications, doctor-prescribed pharmaceutical medicines that can be legally dispensed against a valid prescription only. Buy Darunavir tablets online from India at reasonable prices. This generic medicine tends to cost less than its existing brand-name alternatives.

Darunavir can be made available in India, Africa, Brazil, Australia, Bangladesh, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, and other countries across the world. We are certified by Good Distribution Practices (GDP), which demonstrates our involvement and commitment to top-notch quality.

Generic Darunavir Supplier in India:

For darunavir price in India and abroad, kindly dial our TOLL-FREE: 1800-889-1064, or Call/WhatsApp: +91 8130290915. One can order darunavir if the medicine has not been approved or is not available in your home country. We have made our mark in the industry by offering genuine, reasonable, and best quality delivery of FDA-approved medications for HIV/AIDS.

Our high-quality service, huge experience, market credentials, on-time or before-time delivery, and tie-ups and sourcing from the most reliable brands help enable us to offer the best darunavir price from India.

Reference:

https://www.janssencarepath.com/hcp/prezista

Foscarnet Sodium: All you need to know

Foscavir (Foscarnet Sodium) is an organic analogue of inorganic pyrophosphate that inhibits the replication of herpes viruses in vitro, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV-2). Healthcare professionals recommend using this drug in treating patients with CMV (Cytomegalovirus) retinitis in those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in immunocompromised patients. 

Warning and Precautions

 

• Contact of the drug with eyes and skin may be responsible for causing a burning sensation and local irritation. In case of accidental contact, the exposed area must be rinsed immediately with the help of cold water.

•  Healthcare professionals do not recommend Foscarnet injection for use in those patients who are undergoing haemodialysis as dosage guidelines have not been established.

•  One should use foscarnet with caution in those with reduced renal function. Since renal function impairment might occur during foscarnet uses, one should monitor serum creatinine every second day during induction therapy and once a week during maintenance treatment. 

•  To scale down the risk of renal function impairment, one should maintain adequate hydration in all patients. The renal function of those with renal disease or taking concomitant treatment with other nephrotoxic medicines should be closely assessed. 

•  Due to the existence of sodium in the Foscarnet drug, one should avoid its use when a saline load is difficult to be tolerated. All the respective patients should also consider this on a controlled sodium diet. 

•  One should take specific caution with reduced calcium levels before treatment and those with other drugs known to influence serum calcium levels. Electrolytes, mainly magnesium and calcium, should be evaluated prior to and during Foscarnet Sodium injection, 24mg/mL in 250 mL therapy and deficiencies corrected.

•  One should monitor patients precisely with any known existing prolongation of cardiac conduction intervals, mainly QTc, in those with electrolyte disturbances, or bradycardia, as well as those with underlying cardiac diseases due to increased probability of ventricular arrhythmia. 

•  Seizures related to alterations in plasma minerals and electrolytes have been linked with foscarnet treatment. Status epilepticus may occur. Therefore, one should carefully monitor patients for such changes and their potential sequelae. Mineral and electrolyte supplementation can be used.

• The medicine Foscarnet might be excreted in high concentrations in the urine and might be responsible for genital irritation and ulceration. Precisely attention to personal hygiene is required to prevent irritation and ulceration, and cleaning of the genital area after each micturition is required. 

•  Since no clinical experience or investigational findings are available, Forscanet Sodium 24mg/mL in 250 mL should not be prescribed to pregnant women or to women who are lactating.

•  Women capable of childbearing must use appropriate and effective contraception methods during Foscarnet Sodium therapy. Men treated with this medicine should not have a child for 6 months after treatment.

Side-effects

There are several side-effects of Foscarnet Sodium are:

• Fever

•  Flu-like symptoms

•  Chest pain

•  Headache

•  Back pain

•  Vomiting

•  Nausea

•  Diarrhoea