Times of India
03 February 2011
Pune, India

Our body gives us various signals and symptoms like persistent cough, lumps in skin or breast, abnormal bleeding in the urine or stools, change in voice and so on – prompters that indicate we should get ourselves medically checked, say doctors.

"Prevention is better than cure. As the occurrence of cancer grows, timely precautions and medical aid can help reduce the trauma and effects. Cancer is among the top diseases afflicting many in the city," said radiologist Arjan Bhatia.

Breast cancer is on the rise due to a change in lifestyles, late marriages and the tendency to avoid breastfeeding. The incidence of breast cancer begins around the age of 35 and the risk increases in women over 50 years of age.

"Some women with microscopic or even undetectable breast cancer die quickly due to its spread (metastasis) to the lungs and brain, while others with a large mass involving axillary lymph nodes survive longer. Patients get diagnosed late for fear of treatment and a lack of awareness," said Bhatia.

Breast cancer is completely curable in its early stage. However, women forget to take some common and simple precautions.