Q1. Many people say that women diagnosed with breast cancer lose their breasts. Is this true?

Answer. This is not inevitable. It is possible to save the breast provided early detection occurs. Even in situations where the size of the lump is significantly larger, chemotherapy can help save a woman’s breast. In today’s day and age, the size of the breast can also be restored with surgery and reconstruction.

Q2. Does family history of breast cancer play a role in getting diagnosed with breast cancer?

Answer. Yes, but genetic factors account for 15 to 20% of the cases. Besides that, 80% of women diagnosed with the breast cancer do not have any family history of the disease. Genetics only account for a part of the total cases.

Q3. What is a painless breast lump?

Answer. It is one of the most common symptoms of Breast Cancer, in which one does not feel any pain despite the presence of a lump. Absence of pain or discomfort also leads to many ignoring this symptom. The presence of a lump is a huge indicator of Breast Cancer, and I recommend regular self-examination for women, to detect these symptoms early on. Early detection is a major weapon in our fight against Breast Cancer.

Q4. What are some other symptoms of breast cancer?

Answer. The discharge of watery substance or blood from the nipple is also the major symptom of breast cancer. Inverted nipple, dimpling around the nipple and changes in the appearance of a breast are also symptoms of Breast Cancer.