Though cases of breast cancer are on the rise in Assam, doctors say there is very little awareness about the disease among the people here. The disease also affects men, but the percentage is less.
According to the data provided by B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), about 311 cases of breast cancer among women have been treated in the hospital during 2011-12, while only 10 such cases in males have been treated.
According to the data, around 15.3% women suffer from the disease while in men the figure is around 0.35%.
Assistant professor-cum-in-charge, department of preventive oncology, BBCI, Shabana Bhagawati said, "With rapid urbanization, the incidents of breast cancer are increasing. Early detection of the disease and treatment can save many lives which is possible only through awareness.
"But, it is seen that awareness among the people is very low. Moreover, there are many people who are aware of the disease but take the matter very lightly. All throughout the year, screening camps are organized in the hospital and other places, but very few people attend the camp. We also provide counseling to the people."
She said nowadays cases of breast cancer among men are also increasing, though the percentage of men suffering from the disease is still very less. But, breast cancer in man is more dangerous, she added.
"Breast self examination is a technique that people can try at home. The signs of the disease are preens of lumps or thickening in the breast or armpit, discharge from the nipple, discolouration or change in texture of the skin overlaying the breast and change in the direction of the nipple," she said.
The risk of breast cancer increases due to many factors some of which are age, family history of breast cancer, early age at menarche, first pregnancy after 30 years, having no children, women who have not breast fed their children, late menopause, dietary factors, alcohol consumption, obesity and hormonal treatment.
During a recently-organized month-long breast cancer awareness campaign, the theme of which was 'Lets defeat breast cancer, we are stronger together,' lots of awareness campaigns and public meetings, talks, screening, counseling, community awareness, IEC distribution and sensitization programmes have been carried out by the hospital. Moreover, an exhibition on cancer was recently organized in the hospital.
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