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

CAN A MEN GET BREAST CANCER?

What is Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer develops when the normal cells of the breast grow out of control.
These abnormally growing cells form tumors and can be detected with the help of X-Ray or can be felt as a lump the tumor can both be metastasized or malignant.

Breast Cancer in Men: 

Breast cancer mainly occurs in women but this can also be in men too.  A lot of people do not know that men also have breast tissue and there are also chances of developing breast cancer.
Before puberty, both boys and girls have a small amount of breast tissue but at hitting, puberty stage girls ovary produces female hormones that cause the growth of breast duct and lobules. However, in boys, there is a low level of female hormones and thus breast tissues only have had duct but only a few lobules that are not functional.
Breast cancer can begin from numerous parts of the breast. Most of the breast cancer begins in the nipple known as ductal cancer and sometimes in breast milk glands called globular cancers.
Breast cancer is very rare in men but the survival rate in the early stage of breast cancer is lesser in males as compared to females. Men diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage live for about 6 years while in a female it is extended up to 15 years.

Breast Cancer Treatment in Male: 

There are several treatment methods of breast cancer in men. Some of the methods are common in both males and females. However, the most successful treatment is medication.
The best medication for breast cancer is Ribociclib 200mg.

It belongs to kinase inhibitor class drug that works by for the treatment of postmenopausal women which hormone receptor-positive. It is very effective in the case of breast cancer in the male.

Kryxana 200 mg is an inhibitor of cyclin D1/CDK4 and CDK6 and is used for the treatment of breast cancer in men and women. There are certain proteins in the body that grow and divide continuously. Patients having ER-positive and HER2-negative the protein of growth become overactive and thus continued division occurs by blocking this specific protein and stopping further division and growth. When this drug is combined with other hormonal therapy drugs the estrogen production gets blocked and cancerous cells lead to death.

Ribociclib 200mg is available in tablet form. It is taken orally with or without food in combination with letrozole. The highly recommended dose is 3 tablets of 200 mg taken for 21 days followed by 7 days off treatment.

Read:- Breast cancer symptoms and diagnosis