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With over 7.3 million diagnosed cases in five years as of 2020, Breast Cancer is the most prevalent strain of cancer in the world. Usually restricted to the breast cells, the cancer develops owing mostly to genetic and environmental factors. It is the most common form of cancer in women after skin cancer. 

 

According to Mayo Clinic1, Signs and symptoms of breast cancer includes but are not limited to the following:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding skin

• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast

• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling

• A newly inverted nipple

• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, similar to the skin of an orange.

 

There are several risk factors that increase the chance of getting breast cancer but having one or more of the following in common does not necessarily translate to you developing breast cancer. However, knowing about the factors that put you at risk, whether in one’s control or not, allows one to be more alert and informed. This can in turn help in an early diagnosis which drastically elevates one’s chance of recovery According to Mayo Clinic1, These factors are as follows:

• Being a female: breast cancer is more common in women than in men due to the genetic reasons

• Advancing age

• A prior history of breast conditions: If one has had a breast biopsy that found lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia of the breast

• A family history of cancer

• Radiation exposure: If one has a history of radiation treatment(s) to their chest as a child or adolescent.

• Obesity

• Beginning one’s period at a relatively younger age (before the age of 12) and advancing one’s menopause at an older age

• Postmenopausal hormone therapy: Women who take hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat the signs and symptoms of menopause have an increased risk of breast cancer. 

• Excessive drinking of alcohol or consumption of other harmful substances.

 

As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. It is helpful to make changes in your daily life in order to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. You can do so by following these steps:

• If you’re above the age of 40, you should get an annual breast screening with consultation from your physician. With Increasing age, the risk of developing breast cancer increases, and hence early diagnosis to prevent further worsening is wise. 

• Become familiarized with your breasts through self-examinations. Albeit these cannot prevent breast cancer, it can increase your breast awareness and help to locate any changes in your breasts. 

• Limit the usage of alcohol and other harmful substances.

• Switch to a healthy diet. 

 

As mentioned previously, breast cancer survival rates have largely increased and deaths due to breast cancer have been declining over the years. Getting diagnosed with breast cancer comes with a devastating shock that can impact your mental health too. A reliable study, published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suggests that psychosocial treatment for breast cancer patients enhances both the psychological and survival outcome. Breast cancer diagnosis can lead to depression. Women with breast cancer may start eating poorly, stop exercising, develop insomnia, and withdraw from family and friends; limiting their social circle that could provide support to their mental health. At the same time, they may resort to using alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine or other drugs to help themselves. 

 

Here, licensed psychologists and mental health professionals with experience in breast cancer treatment play a very important role in helping women come to mental stability. Their primary goal is to help women cope up with their lifestyle changes and the medical treatment which can be difficult to deal with. Teaching patients problem solving strategies can not only help in coping with the mental trauma but also prove to be an opportunity for life-enhancing personal growth. 

 

It can be easily and understandably overlooked but it is important to know that it  is not only the patient who suffers. In a study, men whose partners are diagnosed with breast cancer are 40 percent more likely to be hospitalized for severe depression and other mental health problems. Psychological treatment can hence benefit the family and friends to cope up with the stress too. 

 

It is common to have a fear of cancer recurrence even after the treatment of a person has elapsed.  One can join a support group for breast cancer survivors as it helps you to cope with the stress and makes one feel less alone in the fight. 

 

Some other things that you can do to help your mental health stay on the track is:

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• Listen to songs that make you happy (picking new hobbies helps too!) 

• Not withdrawing from friends and family as they can support and help you in ways that you cannot imagine

• Not withdrawing from your everyday routine. Exercise regularly and do the things you do everyday normally. 

 

Note: We do not recommend using any information provided in this article to draw any medical conclusions. If you doubt a possible diagnosis, do visit your physician or an oncologist. 

 

Always remember: No one is alone in this fight, even though it may often seem that way. The thought of having cancer alone can be terrifying, let alone being diagnosed with it. But no matter the predicament you may be stuck in, the lesson is to always remember to never lose hope. The healthcare systems today are better and far more advanced than any point in human existence due to which millions of people recover from diseases like cancer every year. It is important to stay mentally strong and it is also okay to ask for help if you don’t feel like your best. Stay strong and hope for the best!