Cabrest – German Homeopathic Centre

It is not that all women get breast cancer, but there are certain factors which are responsible for breast cancer. Breast Cancer is very rare below the age of 20.

Above 20 years the chances increase if any of the factors are present.

If any one in the family has had breast cancer
Diets rich in fatty acids
Alcohol consumption
Women who have not had a child (only after 40 years)
Women who do not breast feed their child. Breast feeding
offers protection against cancer
In post menopausal women if they are obese

The role of Oral contraceptive pill is still questionable. It is very important to know that all lumps are not cancerous and an early diagnosis makes the treatment effective.

Sign and Symptoms

All cancers are painless to start with . Later on there may be pain. If pain increases or decreases with menstruation it is probably fibroadenosis.
First and foremost the patients present with a lump which may be painless. Pain comes later.
In later stages there maybe discharge from the nipple. In Cancer the discharge is fresh blood or altered blood If it is pus then it may be a breast abscess If it is greenish discharge it may be fibroadenosis (which is not a Cancer and is common in girls).

Breast examination

Take atleast 10-15 minutes each month to check your breasts. The best time to do so is immediately after your periods. After menopause keep a fixed day to carry out the breast examination.
Examine your breast in a mirror for any change in size, any nipple changes or any discharge.
Raise your hands above your head and examine the breast leading to the armpit for any swelling or skin puckering. Lower and raise your arms while watching your nipples, do they move the same or not.
Lean forward and examine each breast for change in outline, puckering, dimpling of the skin or retraction of the nipple. Lying down examine each breast with the flat of your hand to feel for any lumps, thick or bumpy area. Don't press too hard or too lightly.
Slide your hand over the breast above the nipple starting at the armpit, moving inwards. Feel for lumps. Keep moving your hand across the nipple till you have felt all parts of the breast.
Feel for lumps along top of collarbone and in armpit. Examine each breast separately and if you detect anything, consult the doctor immediately.
Remember, only one in every 10 lumps found worthy of investigation for cancer may prove malignant.

Observe the Nipple

In cancer, the nipple is drawn upwards towards the lump and if there is a ulcer on the nipple chances of it being of Cancer are high.

Skin over the Breast

There will be dimpling, retraction or puckering, orange colour skin, or a fungating mass in cancer breast.

Arms

Look out for swellings in the arm pits.
Cancer is more common in the upper and outer part of the breast.
The lump is of uneven size and shape in cancer.
If it is even, it is probably a fibroadenoma, which is a benign condition (i.e. not cancerous).
The lump in cancer cannot be moved i.e. fixed to the breast tissue.

Do's & Dont's

First and foremost, if you detect any kind of lump/ swelling in your breast consult your doctor as soon as possible. Don't feel shy about it. It is better to be early than too late.
Only one in every 10 lumps found worthy of investigation for cancer may prove malignant.
Now a days if cancer is detected early then the breast can be saved, instead of removing the whole breast if detected late. Early marriage (age 22-25) is good as regards risk for cancer and also child bearing. Do breast feed your child.
Avoid diet which contains plenty of saturated fatty acids e.g. red meat, dairy products.
Avoid alcohol.
Menopausal women should maintain their weight.
If obese, diet and regular exercise to slim down.
Vit C helps prevent chances of cancer of breast.

OUR SERVICES