Breast cancer is the 2nd most cause of cancer death in women. Most of the deaths from the disease are due to late diagnosis, lack of screening and self examination.
The news of being diagnosed with cancer is not all bad. Most women who diagnosed at early stage are living like normal after surgical resection of breast tumor and other interventions to completely eradicate cancer cells from body.
In the month of October, which is observed as breast cancer awareness month, we need to tie up to spread the message that early diagnosis is the key to survival. Here are the key messages that need to be disseminated among mass population for early diagnosis, prevention and reduces large death toll.
Warning signs of breast cancer
* New lump/swelling in the breast or underarm.
* Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
* Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
* Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
* Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
* Nipple discharge (e.g. bloody) other than breast milk
* Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
* Pain in any area of the breast
Screening
For early detection screening tests are necessary for women specially after the age 40. Screening at one or two year interval can save many thousands of lives each year in Bangladesh. Many institutions including National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Mohakhali are running breast cancer screening programme for free of cost.
Breast self-examination
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a method that involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling in front of a mirror. It should be done at regular interval.
So all women should check themselves or go to nearby centres for a screening examination in this month and should keep continue checking at regular interval.

The writer is Head, Department of Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery), National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka. Email: [email protected]