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Breast cancer in women is increasing. Meanwhile, endometrial and ovarian cancers are also on the rise. Early detection being crucial, doctors reiterate the need for breast examination, rapid identification of abnormalities and screening in women.
A sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits and stress are factors that put women at risk, experts said. Unlike the past, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer in Chennai. "Until 2002-2003, cervical cancer was the leading cancer in women. Breast cancer has gradually increased and now it is the most affected, "said V. Shanta, president of the Institute of Cancer, Adyar. She pointed out that along with the increase in breast cancer rates, the number of endometrial and ovarian cancers was also increasing.
Levels of literacy
Studies conducted by the institute revealed that with a better level of literacy, the incidence of cervical cancer had decreased. She said that breast cancer was very clearly related to education.
"We found that improving the level of education resulted in the decline of cervical cancer due to a greater awareness of hygiene, such as the use of towels hygienic during menstruation. Although we can not determine why breast cancer has increased with education, we know that education means higher socioeconomic status and this has resulted in a change in the mode of life, "she said.
The sedentary lifestyle and changes in the type of food eaten played a key role. "Junk food leads to obesity. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors, "said Dr. Shanta.
An increase in stress levels could increase the risk of breast cancer among women, especially among younger women, added K. Kalaichelvi, professor and head of the department of medical oncology at the General Hospital. from the Rajiv Gandhi government.
"There are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, the latter being the genetic constitution. Women can get married early, have children early and breastfeed their babies. They should change their diet and exercise. They should eat foods that are high in fiber, less in carbohydrates and fat, as well as a lot of minerals, "said Dr. Kalaichelvi. Breast self-examination should start at age 25 and screening at age 40, she added.
Early detection
Although the percentage of women who have used early medical care has improved over the years, this is still not enough, Shanta said.
"Ten years ago, between 60% and 70% of women arrived late. Today, this represents about 30% to 40%. It has improved, but not enough. We still have a lot of advanced cases. People do not understand cancer and associate it with pain. Pain is not the first symptom of cancer and often the last symptom, "she said. Dr. Shanta said that 90% of women would go to a gynecologist / obstetrician at some point.
"A gynecological examination and a breast examination should be done. Women should see a doctor for menstrual bleeding, spotting, post-coital bleeding and abnormal bleeding. Bumps on the chest and nipple loss should be noticed, "she said.
There is no better ambassador than breast cancer survivors, she added, adding that they should convey the message of early detection.
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