Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer typically affects women aged 50 and older. Signs or symptoms of breast cancer may in­clude a mass or lump in the breast, which may feel as small as a pea; a lump or thickening in or near your breast or underarm that persists through your menstrual cycle; a change in breast shape; dimpling of the skin; a marble-like hard­ened area under your skin; milk rejection; fluid coming from the nipple; a newly inverted nipple; or a red or scaly patch of skin. In those with a distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Risk factors include being fe­male, obesity, lack of exercise, alco­hol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionising radia­tion, early age at first menstruation, having children late in life or not at all, older age, prior breast can­cer, and a family history of breast cancer (Klinefelter syndrome). Di­agnostic methods include a tissue biopsy and mammography. Treat­ment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. The specific treatment plan is deter­mined by the stage of cancer, the type of breast cancer, and individu­al factors. Early detection through regular screenings is crucial for better outcomes.

If you or someone you know has concerns about breast cancer, it’s important to consult a health­care professional for a proper di­agnosis and treatment plan. So, for the betterment of society and to meet the standards of living, the government should tighten monetary policy to avoid infla­tion, and the government should also arrange an awareness cam­paign through television to edu­cate people about breast cancer. I hope my concern will be high­lighted, and people will realise the importance of breast cancer.

AIMAN IFTIKHAR

KARACHI