by Suman Gupta
Talegaon: Following the news that MasterChef India Season 1 winner Pankaj Bhadouria has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the need to raise awareness about the disease has once again come into focus. Early detection of breast cancer can make treatment more effective and significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Akhila Bomma Reddy, Surgical Oncologist, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, said, “Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. However, with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many patients can recover completely. If you notice a lump in the breast, changes in the skin, discharge from the nipple, or changes in the size or shape of the breast, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. Factors such as increasing age, family history, lifestyle changes, obesity, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, women should undergo regular health check-ups, mammography as advised by their doctor, and perform regular breast self-examinations. Many women tend to ignore early symptoms or delay medical evaluation. When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment outcomes are generally much better. Therefore, awareness and regular screening remain some of the most effective preventive measures. Women are encouraged to prioritize their breast health and seek prompt medical attention if they notice any unusual symptoms.“
After the age of 20, every woman should perform a breast self-examination once a month, ideally 4–5 days after the completion of her menstrual cycle, by standing in front of a mirror and checking for any lumps or changes in the breasts. Moreover, every woman should undergo a mammography test once every one or two years, as recommended by her doctor.
