Breasts are the most prominent and emotional part of a woman's body. She has many emotional, physical and mental relations with this body part and its importance is just unexplainable. Breast cancer has nowadays become the most common and vulnerable type o cancer a women can suffer from. According to statistics, every 1 out of 30 womes in the world suffer from breast cancer. There are also instances of breast cancer in men, but it is very rare. Even so, undergoing early detection tests is a must for all. "If the disease is detected in its earliest stages, it has a cure rate of more than 80 per cent. Even for the late second stage, there is a 50 per cent chance of recovery. Of all the new cases of cancer being diagnosed in India, about 40 per cent afflict women and the most common cancers here being breast and cervical cancer.
One out of every 30 Women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The only way to stall it is to become, more aware.
Time is the crucial factor. It is important to get an annual mammogram done after the age of 50. Even a simple breast self-examination can help in early detection. For surviving BC, one does not necessarily need to have a mastectomy.
Well-formed breasts
Needless to emphasize that this is the most sought after asset in a female body. Eternally reckoned as the symbol of womanhood, without well endowed breasts a woman's beauty may not inspire admirers no matter how well formed are the woman's eyes or other parts. Given below are some tips on the exercise to make your breasts firm and attractive.
A (i) Keeping your back erect sit on the base of your buttocks while stretching one leg straight towards the left and other turned from the knee and the foot kept on the right thigh. Make the left foot as highly placed on your right thigh as possible. Repeat the exercise with the other leg and stay in that position for about a minute or so.
(ii) Now put both feet on the opposite thigh while keeping your back erect and unarched.
(iii) Now take your hands backwards and hold in their clutches the right foot- i.e. with the hands drawn backwards. hold left foot with the right hand and right foot with the left hand. Stay in that position for about two to three minutes. Repeat the exercise at least four to five times.
B. (i) Lie straight on the ground in a supine position with hands gently pressed between the respective buttock. This posture is similar to your performing the Shava Asana.
(ii) Now while putting pressure on your buttocks hold your torso high-as much possible from the waist as much as to make your head provide other point of support. Keep in that position for about a minute or so. This will as much stretch the breasts muscles as to make them round and firm shape.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Our body is made up of many types of cells. Normally the cells grow and divide to produce more cells. This orderly process keeps the body healthy. Sometimes cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. These cells form a mass of extra tissue called a growth or tumour. But not all tumours are life threatening. They can either be benign or malignant. Cells in these tumours can invade and damage Cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumour and enter the blood stream or lymphatic system. That is how breast cancer spreads and forms secondary tumours in other parts of the body. We cannot totally prevent breast cancer, but when diagnosed and treated early, chances of survival are better.
WHO'S AT RISk?
The exact causes of breast cancer are not known. Studies indicate that the risk of breast cancer increases with age. However, even younger women below the age of 35 can develop breast cancer. Besides age, the presence of the following factors confers a higher risk of developing breast cancer in women:
Personal history of cancer in one breast
Family history of breast cancer involving mother, maternal grandmother, maternal aunts or sisters
Early onset of menstruation (before the age 12)
Late menopause (after the age of 55)
First childbirth after age 30
Breastfeeding children for less than six months
Consumption of alcohol (more than three drinks per week) and food rich in animal fat.
Obesity
Smoking chewing tobacco
How to lower the estrogen levels (This lowers breast cancer risk)
Avoid prolonged hormone replacement therapy when you are nearing menopause
Take moderate physical exercise (3-4 times a week), especially aerobic exercises, for at least 30 minutes or more each time
Maintain normal body weight, especially after menopause
Ensure that your diet comprises moderate amount of fibre