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The
Scourge and its Cure
The medical community in India is slowly waking up to the emerging
threat from breast cancer. The latest diagnostic tools and treatments
are now available in India ...
WHO
IS AT RISK
Breast cancer is caused by a mutant cell that multiplies forming a
malignant tumour. Late motherhood, childless females and women over 50
are high risk.
STAGES
OF BREAST CANCER
 EARLY
STAGE Small tumour confined to breast
 SECOND
STAGE Spread to lymph glands in armpit
 ADVANCED
STAGE Lungs, liver, bones get affected
Menstural
Cycle:
menstrual cycle: Girls attaining puberty at a much earlier age, pregnancies
being delayed beyond 30, breast feeding periods shortening and late menopause
are some of the major reasons why urban Indian women are increasingly
susceptible. The culprit: excessive levels of the hormone estrogen that
these produce.
 Lifestyle:
Studies show that women who take alcohol more than three times a week
are prone. Fatty acids found in cooking oils and junk food, sedentary
living, obesity, excessive caffeine and nicotine have also been indicted.
Add to it the fact that the modern Indian woman marries much later, plans
her babies in her 30s and nurses them for only a few months and you have
a potent cocktail. Use of hormone replacement therapy to delay menopause
fuels the problem.
Heredity: If three or more direct relatives (mother, sister or
aunt) have the disease, risk is 50 times more. Even a single afflicted
relative heightens the risk 2-5 times. But only 5 per cent of cases are
hereditary.
DETECTING
IT
Who wins the war against cancer depends largely on when it is detected.
If properly diagnosed in its early stages, it is possible to defeat the
disease.
Genetic Screening: Used in the US and now coming to India this
costly method (a test is for Rs 45,000) of tracking suspect genes only
detects a predisposition, not the disease itself.
Mammogram: An X-ray of breasts every two years after the age of
50 to detect tumours is advised. Costs Rs 800-2,000 and is 70 per cent
accurate.
Traditional Biopsy:
A
cut is made in the suspicious lumps in the breasts and some cells are
extracted to test for cancerous growth. This invasive method is traumatic
for the patient and at Rs 600-3,000 beyond the reach of many Indians,
it is the most accurate way of determining the presence of cancer.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology: A needle is inserted into the
affected tissue and cells extracted with the help of a syringe. Non-invasive,
but can’t detect if the cancer has spread. Accuracy is high.
Clinical Examination: Manual examination done once a year by a
cancer specialist or trained health worker. Most suitable method for Third
World nations. Costs Rs 100-500, free in government hospitals. Very accurate.
Self Examination: A thorough palpation of both breasts about a
week after menstruation to check for any lumps. Costs nothing but the
woman must be trained in the method. Not very accurate.
THE
NEW BUSTERS
Till a few years ago, most patients were advised to go in for a mastectomy
where the entire breast was removed. Today, newer treatments are available.
Computerised Radiotherapy: Hi-tech machines can zero in on the
exact site of the tumour and ascertain the radiation level needed to zap
it. A linear accelerator can focus on the cancerous growth without damaging
the surrounding tissues.
Intra-Operative Brachytherapy: When the tumour is small, thin catheters
are injected to provide intense and extremely localised radiation to the
affected area. Unlike standard radiotherapy which lasts six weeks, brachytherapy
is given only for seven days.
Drugs: Unlike the dreaded chemical cocktail that chemotherapy is,
tamoxifen is less harmful and controls estrogen. Special inhibitors used
in advanced cases.
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The
Indian industry has increased its decibel level of whining. Instead, it
should get the government to deliver, says INDIA TODAY Associate Editor
V. Shankar Aiyar in 
