Breast cancer continue to be most common cancer in women and ranks second among causes for cancer related death in women globally. Early detection, diagnosis and appropriate treatment of breast cancer are key to lower the burden of disease and better outcomes. When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of survival are very high. Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, skills of breast self-examination, confidence to detect breast changes and present promptly to a specialist, are key factors in the prevention, early detection of breast cancer. How- ever, women in many settings specially in rural areas, face complex barriers including social, economic, geographic and other inter- related factors, which can limit her access to timely, affordable and effective breast health care services.
awareness and education of breast cancer risk factors, screening benefits and treatment options are necessary. The transdisciplinary approach to reduce global burden of breast cancer, fall into these categories; (1) lifestyle modifiers of risk: (2) early detection and risk reduction: (3) recent research in breast cancer prevention.
Early age menarche, late first full term pregnancy, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), oral contraceptive pills are well known risk factors of breast cancer world wide.
Early detection of breast cancer is still challenging and key factor to reduce morbidity and mortality of the disease. clinical breast examination (CBE), breast imaging and pathologic evaluation of breast tissue are called ” Triple Test” of breast diagnosis. USG is more valuable and widely available for breast mass assessment.
Screening is the single most important strategy to detect breast cancer and reduce disease burden. breast self examination (BSE) or CBE, USG or mammography are population based screening modalities. early detection is critical to breast cancer patient survival. Patient’s survival largely dependent on woman,s access to timely, effective and affordable care.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of the breast cancer.
Treatment modalities
- Surgery
- chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- hormonal therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
