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Isn’t it distressing that as per a survey in Delhi out of 22 women every 2 women suffers from breast cancer? This clearly indicates that in present times no one is untouched from the horrors of fatal diseases. While earlier doctors had a notion that women with 40 plus years of age would likely to have breast cancer that to with a ratio of 20:1, but recently I came across a case where an 18-year-old student was suffering from this unfortunate disease.
Can you imagine the plight of an 18-year-old girl who should be completely focusing on her career and instead is now fighting with breast cancer today. This clearly indicates that we all, irrespective of our age face the risk of developing breast cancer.
Being a woman, we normally look after our family and loved ones first, but what about us? If we don’t take care of ourselves then who will take care of our family and our kids?
Okay, let’s put up an honest question to ourselves, How much we know about breast cancer? Its symptoms and most of all its prevention in early stages of life? Iam sure most of us will be left with a confused face when it comes to answers.
Recently my interest to know more about strengthened, when I was informed about the amazing concept which is organized by NAB “Discovering Hands”
NAB which stands for National Association for Blind have come up with the whole new initiative in India with the help of visually challenged women who harness their pronounced tactile capabilities for early detection of breast cancer.
These differently abled girls undergo rigorous training of 9-12 months and upon graduating, join hospitals as MTE’s – Medical Tactile Examiners.
This technique was first introduced by Dr. Frank Hoffmann, a German Gynaecologist. In this methodology they train visually impaired women, leveraging their highly developed tactile sense to detect even the flimsiest abnormalities in breasts.
Breast cancer is one of the major diseases which is found among women in today’s date. As per Dr. Mandeep S Malhotra head of the department of surgical oncologists in Delhi, ”Delhi is at the peak of breast cancer among women. Also, most of the women come to know about it when they have already reached stage 3. According to him, the life of 90% of women can be saved if it is detected at an early stage.
”Mammography screening is mainly applicable to those women who are above 40 years of age, however, 30% of Indian women have dense breast which is not at all ideal for mammogram,” he added.
And most importantly it is rising rapidly in our country and especially in metropolitan cities.
Below are the key reasons which put women at a high risk of developing breast cancer-:
- Early onset of puberty (<12 years).
- Late menopause/ Hormonal therapy.
- No or late pregnancy.
- Limited or no breastfeeding.
- Alcohol/ tobacco habits.
- Obesity/ stress.
- The family history of breast/ovarian cancer.
So girls and ladies out there, its high time to take care of ourselves. I took time out and got through with my check up to ensure that I am free from any symptoms of breast cancer. The best part is that the entire diagnosis is completely manual and radiation free.
The MTEs use their fingers to detect any lumps in your breast by administering different pressure touches inch by inch on your breasts. If any lumps are detected, they recommend it to the doctor for the further comprehensive diagnosis. As the saying goes ”Prevention Is Better Than Cure”, going through a checkup and relieving yourself from the anxiety of developing a breast cancer will go a long way in ensuring happiness and a healthy life.
