29 November 2011
By Sumitra Deb Roy
Ludhiana India
Government College for Women (GCW) and science society organized a breast cancer awareness programme on Monday. The event was organized with an objective of creating awareness among young women about the disease. Dr Amit Dhiman, an oncologist from Apollo Hospital, was the resource person.
At the awareness camp, Dr Dhiman discussed various aspects related to breast cancer and also highlighted the risk factors of developing this kind of cancer that increase with age and family history. According to the doctor, the main cause of this kind of cancer is the early onset of menstrual period before age of 12 and late menopause after the age of 55.
Talking about the early signs of the cancer, Dr Dhiman said, breast cancer usually manifests itself as a lump. "Pain is not a common symptom especially is early stages,'' he added.
With the help of visual aid, breast self examination was also explained. Various treatment options were also revealed which included surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending upon the type of cancer where it has spread and how far it has spread.
Dr Dhiman stressed breast self examination is the key factor in breast health.