Breast Cancer: All You Need To Know And Do

In a world where surprises often bring joy and excitement, there are some revelations that send chills down our spines. Cancer is one of those unwelcome surprises that no one wishes to discover, yet it is a reality that affects millions of people around the world every day. Among the many types of cancers, breast cancer stands out as one of the tough challenges to grapple with. It is a serious health condition that silently affects the lives of countless women.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide.1 This alarming piece of information highlights the importance of detecting breast cancer on time and understanding its causes to ensure timely and effective treatment.

In this article, we will know all about breast cancer - its types, causes, symptoms, the ways to detect it, and the possbility of it being cured. In addition to it, we will also explore whether breast cancer is covered by health insurance plans available today.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a complex condition that originates from the tissue of the breast and involves the uncontrolled growth of the cells in the region. There are various types of breast cancer, each determined by the specific cells that transform into cancer.

Breast Cancer Types

Among the various types of breast cancer, here are the most common ones -

• Ductal Carcinoma: It starts in the ducts, the milk-carrying tubes, that connect the breast to the nipple. The majority of breast cancers are of this type.

• Lobular Carcinoma: It originates in the lobules, the milk-producing regions of the breast.

In invasive breast cancer, the cancer cells extend to the nearby tissues - posing a higher risk of cancer spreading throughout the entire body. On the other hand, in non-invasive breast cancer, the cancer cells remain confined to their point of origin. There is a possibility that these cells can become invasive over time.

What Are The Risk Factors For Breast Cancer?

Individuals who inherit specific gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. These genes are most commonly affected in cases when these two cancers are hereditary.

Under normal circumstances, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes play a protective role against certain types of cancer. However, certain mutations in these genes hinder their proper functioning, increasing the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers for people who inherit them.

In addition to genetic factors, there are several other risk factors, such as -

• Increasing age,
• Obesity,
• Excessive alcohol consumption,
• Family history of breast cancer,
• History of radiation exposure,
• Reproductive history (such as the age at which menstrual periods began and the age of first pregnancy),
• Use of tobacco, and
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Breast Cancer?

One of the early symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of thickened tissue in the breast or a lump/mass in either the breast or the armpit. It is important to note that most breast lumps are not cancerous, with approximately 90% of them being unharmful in nature.2

If you notice an abnormal breast lump, it is highly essential for you to consult a healthcare professional, even if it is not painful. Make sure you visit the doctor within 1-2 months to ensure timely evaluation and appropriate care.

The common breast cancer symptoms are -

• Presence of a lump or thickened area in the breast

• Experiencing persistent armpit or breast pain that does not change with the monthly menstrual cycle

• Noticeable changes in the breast's size, shape, or overall appearance

• Skin changes, such as dimpling, resembling the texture of an orange peel, and variations in colour, including redness

• Development of a rash around or on one nipple

• Alterations in the nipple's appearance or changes in the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)

• Abnormal discharge from the nipple, which may include blood

In advanced stages, breast cancer exhibits the following characteristics -

1. Advanced cancers can occasionally lead to open sores on the skin, a condition known as ulceration, which may or may not be painful.

2. Breast cancers, when advanced, can spread to various parts of the body and give rise to additional symptoms.

a. The lymph nodes under the arm are often the first detectable site of spread. However, cancerous lymph nodes may also be present if they are not detectable through conventional means.

b. As time progresses, cancer cells may further spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, and bones. Upon reaching these locations, it may give rise to new symptoms, such as bone pain or headaches.

So, How To Detect Breast Cancer At An Early Stage?

Discovering breast cancer in its early stages is vital for effective treatment. Here are some measures you can take -

1. Practice Breast Self-Awareness Examine your breasts regularly and become familiar with their normal appearance and texture. By doing so, you can promptly identify any changes if they occur.

2. Be Vigilant For Warning Signs Pay attention to potential indicators of breast cancer, including the presence of new lumps, thickening, swelling, changes in size or shape, nipple discharge, or alterations in the skin (such as redness or dimpling). If you notice any of these changes, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

3. Take Mammograms Mammograms play an important part in early breast cancer diagnosis. They are low-level X-ray screenings that can help identify abnormalities, such as tumours or calcifications, even before they can be felt.

If your mammogram reveals an abnormal result, your doctor will likely recommend some additional tests to determine the cause. These include -

1. Breast Ultrasound
2. Breast MRI
3. Breast Biopsy

Now, the most important question is - is breast cancer curable? Let’s find out.

Can Breast Cancer Be Cured?

Breast cancer can be effectively treated and cured if diagnosed early. A comprehensive treatment combining surgery, radiation therapy, and medication can successfully cure cancer in its early stage. The survival probabilities are 90% or higher, especially when the disease is detected early.

It is essential to recognize that individual responses to treatment can vary significantly, and a person's outlook cannot be solely predicted based on survival rates. Each person's experience with breast cancer is unique, and treatment outcomes can differ based on various factors.

What Are The Treatment Options Available?

The treatment approach for breast cancer varies depending on the stage and extent of the disease. For early-stage breast cancer, local therapy is typically recommended. However, when breast cancer has advanced and spread to other parts of the body, systemic therapy becomes the primary course of action.

The treatment of breast cancer majorly involves -

• Radiation Therapy
• Surgery
• Biological therapy (also known as targeted drug therapy)
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

The escalating cost of healthcare has reached the skies, especially when it comes to treating cancer. Therefore, you need to have a well-thought-out strategy in place in order to battle against such expenses. And, this is where a health insurance plan steps in to save the day.

Is There A Health Insurance Plan For Cancer?

Yes! There are health insurance options specifically tailored to provide coverage for the treatment of cancer and other related medical expenses.

Cancer insurance is a specialised policy designed to offer financial support to individuals diagnosed with the disease. It covers various costs associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as hospitalisation, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and more. With its comprehensive coverage, it can reduce the financial burden you might experience with the diagnosis of cancer.

Looking For A Plan That Covers Cancer?

If you have a high risk of developing cancer due to factors such as smoking or family history, you should consider purchasing cancer insurance. It ensures a substantial sum of money with which you can comfortably cover the hefty bills of cancer treatment.

The ABSLI Cancer Shield Plan [UIN: 109N103V03] is specifically designed to provide financial assistance in case you are diagnosed with cancer.

What Does It Offer?

1. Coverage For Early And Advanced Cancer It offers coverage for both early and advanced stages - ensuring that you enjoy peace of mind along with comprehensive protection against the financial burdens that may arise.

2. Convenient Claims Processing In the unfortunate event of a cancer diagnosis, you can receive the eligible claim amount under this plan by simply submitting the diagnosis report.

3. Special Benefits For Early-Stage Cancer If you are diagnosed with early-stage cancer, the premium will be waived for a period of five years, providing some relief from the financial burden during that time.

4. Increment In Sum Assured The plan also provides an opportunity to increase the initial sum assured by 10% each year for a duration of ten years - if no claim has been filed.

Conclusion

The journey of breast cancer is indeed filled with numerous challenges. But, it is important that you remain hopeful and optimistic. Recognising the symptoms and seeking timely medical attention can help you overcome the disease - paving the way for a brighter future. And, to help you navigate this journey with even more ease, specialised plans like the ABSLI Cancer Shield Plan [UIN: 109N103V03] can help you win the battle, providing both relief and assistance.

Sources

[1]https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer#:~:text=As%20of%20the%20end%20of,any%20other%20type%20of%20cancer. [2] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer