CHENNAI: Several myths continue to shroud the causes of breast cancer, prompting awareness campaigns to focus on dispelling misunderstanding about one of the leading types of cancers in women.

Various organisations in the city joined the worldwide observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to highlight the problem and encourage early detection practices.

The chances of developing breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about 1 in 8 (13% of women).

According to oncologists one of the persistent misconceptions is that breastfeeding a child could lead to cancer.

"In fact, not only does breastfeeding a child not cause breast cancer, some studies suggest that breastfeeding may slightly reduce a woman's risk factor of developing breast cancer," said Dr. Ramesh Nimmagada, Director Apollo Cancer Hospital. Breastfeeding reduces the amount of time a woman menstruates (lowering oestrogen production) and lowers risk.

Cancer and abortion

Another misplaced opinion links breast cancer to abortion.

Though it was once thought that abortion with attendant hormone level changes that damage breast tissue could be a factor in breast cancer evolution, in 2003 a panel of experts had, under the auspices of the National Cancer Institute, dismissed the link as arbitrary. The panel stated that having an induced abortion does not increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer.

"Information flow about the cancer should be continuous and reach all sections of the community," said Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan, Director (Community Services), Sundaram Medical Foundation, which recently observed the Pink Ribbon Day as part of an awareness campaign. Knowledge is the first step towards understanding and prevention.

The campaign also focussed on the plight of cancer victims who could not afford treatment and explored the means to support such patients.

Doctors point out that every breast lump, irrespective of whether it is painful or not, has to be evaluated by a physician.

The notion that a painful lump cannot be cancer is wrong.

They also point to Internet literature, which is rife with warnings that the use of deodorants and antiperspirants could cause breast cancer.

The suggestion is that a chemical is absorbed through the skin through a shaving nick or cut, and causes breast cancer.

However, the National Cancer Institute researchers are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

Common risk factors

Though the exact cause for breast cancer has not been established, there is a certainty in the understanding of common risk factors that are linked to the disease.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

It is estimated that 50 per cent of women who get breast cancer have no identifiable risk factor beyond gender and age.

Breast cancer is clearly related to hormonal factors. Early menarche and late menopause increase the risk of breast cancer.

There is no convincing evidence that the use of birth control pills increases the risk of breast cancer.

Treatment options

The core message, Dr. Nimmagada says, is that dreaded though the cancer may be, it is important for patients to understand that various treatment options are available. In fact, scores of women have overcome breast cancer to lead successful lives.

He pointed out that there was an overwhelming menu of treatment choices, ranging from surgery to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer.

Doctors recommend

regular self breast examination after the age of 30

a periodic mammogram after 35 if there is a strong family history of breast cancer

leading a healthy lifestyle.

Besides a lump or swelling, other changes in your breast could include skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction (turning inward), redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin or a discharge other than breast milk.

Any of these changes should be immediately reported to the physician.

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