A large number of women are getting affected by breast cancer every year. In fact, according to a report by the Indian Council for Medical Research, the number of people suffering from cancers in India is projected to increase to 29.8 million in 2025. And breast cancer accounts for 10.5% of that 40 per cent cancer disease burden on Indians. Over the recent past, several noted women have come forward to open up about their cancer battle, giving other fighters the emotional strength to fight it. This time, Bollywood actress Mahima Chaudhry has mustered the courage to share her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment story through social media.

Mahima Chaudhary's condition was revealed by actor Anupam Kher on social media via a video post. It was when he called her to offer her a role in his film, The Signature, when he found out that Mahima was fighting breast cancer.

Diagnosis

Mahima Chaudhary said in her Instagram video, "I had no cancer symptoms. It was diagnosed in my routine yearly checkups." She revealed how the person doing her checkup told her to meet an oncologist, who informed her that she had pre-cancer cells, which can or cannot become cancer. After her biopsy, she was not only diagnosed with cancer, but some of the tiny cells removed from her body became cancerous. She had to undergo chemotherapy and said, "I am totally fine now, and recovered." Her attitude will give hope to so many women all over the world.

Over the past few years, many women in Bollywood have been diagnosed with cancer. Anupam Kher's wife, actor-politician Kirron Kher, had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2021. She continues to be an example of being unstoppable. Actress Mumtaz, writer-director Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, Sonali Bendre and Lisa Ray have opened up about their struggles with different forms of cancer. 

Breast cancer is treatable if detected early. Every woman aged 40 should do a self-examination and an early detection test. Here we have compiled a list of information about breast cancer every woman should know.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Over time, cancer may progress and invade the surrounding breast tissue, nearby lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Why is early diagnosis of breast cancer important?

Cancer is treatable if diagnosed early. Even in Mahima Choudhary's case, the actress could be quickly treated because of her early diagnosis. All women past 30 should self-diagnose their condition and check for the presence of lumps or masses that might be cancerous outgrowths. Lack of awareness and poor early screening is one of the major causes of breast cancer deaths.

How to battle the cancer diagnosis mentally?

Cancer is a disease that makes a person mentally weak. Mahima Chaudhry mentioned in her video that she didn't even inform her parents. She was knowing that they will panic after getting this news. However, Mahima learnt from many women who came to chemotherapy and went directly to work. She recalled a young boy she met in the hospital; he was also getting treatment in the hospital, and he told her that he was feeling better with the help of medicine and he was able to play. Looking at them, she felt that battling her condition with a strong mind was important.

What are the benefits of self-breast examination?

The self-breast examination makes one conscious of any new changes in the breast. It helps for identification of breast cancer at an early stage. 

What are the tests available for breast cancer detection?

Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may screen women with a high risk of breast cancer.

It is an important screening tool combined with physicians' regular physical examinations and routine mammograms for detecting early signs of breast cancer. It helps women be familiar with how their breasts usually look and feel by reporting any changes to the doctor immediately.

Here is how to do a self-breast examination to prevent breast cancer

1. Women should look at their breasts by standing in front of the mirror with their shoulders straight and arms near the hips. They should examine about any changes in skin color or texture. They should also notice changes in size, shape, and symmetry of the breast.

2. The second step is to raise arms and look for the same things mentioned in step 1. Additionally, look for nipple discharge as well.

3. Women should lie down and examine the breasts by feeling them from front to back and in circular motions. It will have to know if any lump, pain, or tenderness exists.

4. They should also examine the same in a sitting position too.

5. If a woman notices or feels any lump; she should not panic as most women have breast lumps, but they should not be painful. The best thing to do is to consult a doctor for further evaluation.

ZenOnco.io has delivered hope to hundreds of cancer patients in a very short span of time with its seven pillars of wellness program. We focus on managing cancer and the associated side effects, thereby improving the overall quality of life and affirming that there is hope after cancer. We have helped many people with cancer in their treatment and leading a normal life.