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Early detection of breast cancer
Hello health-aware readers! It’s great to reconnect with our dedicated supporters
In this newsletter, we focus on the crucial role of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. We’ll also share news about latest update on a new treatment for curing breast cancer.
Why is breast cancer a serious concern worldwide?
Breast cancer is one of the most common and prevalent types of cancer among women globally. In India, statistics show that every 4 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and one woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes. The primary reason for this high mortality rate is the late diagnosis of the cancerous tumor. The cancerous tumor often gets detected late due to factors like lack of awareness, stigma, and fear of diagnosis. These issues stop women from seeking medical help at the right time. Because of this, 50% of women suffering from breast cancer visit the hospital at stage 3, which needs a more aggressive treatment approach for treating the cancerous tumor. However, the severity and the number of women suffering due to late diagnoses can be greatly reduced, so that we do not have a women dying due to breast cancer every 13 minutes in India. This process is what we, Non-Malignant refer to as early detection.
How will early detection help?
When breast cancer is in its initial stages, it often doesn’t show visible symptoms and does not spread throughout the body, which makes it less complex to treat. However, this also makes it difficult for individuals to recognize that they are suffering from cancer.
In such situations, early detection acts as a proactive approach. Because It has the ability to identify cancer in initial stages when it is most treatable and has not advanced significantly. Interestingly, early detection approach is not limited to one method but involves several different methods, each having its own unique way of detecting breast cancer in its initial stages.
The most commonly and widely used methods for early detection of breast cancer worldwide are screening and self-examination. In addition to these methods, genetic testing plays an increasingly important role, especially for those with a family history of breast cancer. But the actual medical procedure will depend upon the individual situations for example a young 20 years old individual will be recommended self breast examination method and in case of a 40 years old individual will be recommended screening method.
Why should everybody pursue early detection ?
After reading about what early detection is and how it works, one might be wonder why everyone should pursue early detection. The answer is that every woman has a chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime. Therefore, it becomes crucial to take proactive steps.
Along with less severe treatment, early detection of breast cancer offers several other benefits. These benefits are illustrated in the figure above, which highlights the major benefits of early detection.
Therefore, it is important not only for women but for everyone to pursue early detection for the betterment of their health.
New treatment to improve breast cancer survival rate
A recent study led by Dr. Badwe at Tata Memorial Center has uncovered a breakthrough in treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The study, conducted across India from 2011 to 2022, tested the use of lidocaine, a common local anesthetic, injected around the tumor before surgery. This method acts as a protective shield, preventing cancer cells from spreading during surgery. As in breast cancer treatment the time before surgery acts as a crucial time when cancer can potentially spread.
The trial involved 1600 women and revealed that if this simple new treatment is given to the patients it has the potential to reduce the risk of death because of breast cancer by 29%. Additionally it also showed that women who received the lidocaine injection had a 6-year survival rate of 89.9%, compared to 86.2% in those who did not.
Furthermore, as this trial was successful Tata Memorial Centre is providing this treatment for early stage breast cancer. By doing so the estimated impact of this treatment would be to save 100,000 lives globally each year.
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Know who we are
Non Malignant is a startup aimed at detecting and eliminating cancer before symptoms appear. Non Malignant is housed at Mission Unicorn which is an ideation and incubation lab in Vidyalankar.
Non Malignant is also a service provider for all information regarding detection, cure, rehabilitation and prevention of cancer.
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