Breast Cancer; The Symptoms And The Do's & Don'ts

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women around the world, with about 1.7 million new cases diagnosed yearly, accounting for around 25% of all cancers in women, and currently every one out of 10 women are susceptible to breast cancer.

Statistics has proven that Breast Cancer is very prevalent among urban Indian women, and they are often diagnosed at the last stage that leads to Fatal death!

This is quite an alarming and a notable point to be taken into account due to insufficient knowledge on what is breast cancer, they perceive the symptoms as a common swell or a rash when they are evident symptoms of breast cancer shown on their breast!

Here are some possible warning signs of breast cancer-

New lump in the breast or armpit
Swelling or discoloration on part of the breast.
Inflammation or protrusion of the skin of the breast.
Redness or splotchy skin in the nipple or breast region.
Pulling in the nipple.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, like blood.
Any change in breast shape or size.
Pain in every part of the breast.

Bear in mind that these symptoms can occur with other non-cancer conditions. However, if you ever experience any of this discomforts on your breast, immediately get yourself checked by a doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

You could also check breast cancer symptoms on your own, through this easy steps at your home-

So we may ask, how does a normal breast look like? How do we detect any abnormality?

There’s just no usual or ordinary breast. The definition on ‘what is a normal breast’ varies depending on a woman’s breast size and shape. Never make a comparison to how your breast looks to another woman’s breast.

Most women complain that their breasts feel lumpy or irregular. The way your breasts look and feel can be impacted due to Your Monthly period, breastfeeding, Having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain drugs.

Breasts, however, do change in shape, size and texture as you age!

At times, swellings or lumps in the breast could be due to fibrocystic breast and cysts. Fibrocystic disease causes changes in the breast that can make them feel lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are tiny, fluid-filled bags that can form in the breast.

Hence, if you find any unusual changes in your breast, get yourself checked immediately!

The Do’s & Don’ts To Avoid Breast Cancer-

Do not expose your breast to any sort of radiation. Refrain yourself from placing your hand phones near your breast or at any part of your body when your are sleeping cause handphones tend to emanate high level of radiation that could activate cancer cells in our body.
Do not consume processed food, especially hotdogs and mock meats! This is due to the high level of chemicals used to make it.
Avoid yourself from consuming medications that could alter or aggravate your hormones like, morning after pills, contraceptives, protein shakes with steroids’ or drugs.
Do take meticulous care on what cosmetic, lotions or shower gel you apply on your skin, DO NOT USE PRODUCTS WITH PARABENS!
Eat more vegetables that are alkaline based to help keep our body PH value in a neutral state. Consume veggies such as broccoli, beetroots, cauliflower, celery, cabbage and pumpkin.
EXERCISE REGULARLY! To stabilise your hormones and to produce more happy hormones that keeps you active and fit.
Avoid excessive drinking or smoking!

In conjunction to Breast Cancer awareness month, get yourself checked and screened at your nearest hospital or at the Breast Cancer Centres and Cancer Societies in Malaysia here-

Pantai Hospital and Gleneagles KL are one of the most prevelant hospitals in Malaysia that are active in spreading the Breast Cancer awareness in Malaysia. Do check them out for quick updates and programmes, standing a chance to win their contests they run at their hospitals regarding Breast Cancer Awareness on their respective social media handle!