Breast Cancer Awareness: Symptoms, tips, and workplace wellness

Why does breast cancer awareness month matter?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrated every October is more than a campaign; it’s a global movement to empower people with knowledge and break the stigma around women’s health. Events like Breast Cancer Awareness Day serve as reminders that early detection saves lives.

Dr. Vadha urged everyone to not only care for themselves but also to encourage their mothers, sisters, and friends to schedule screenings and talk openly about health concerns.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass. It can start in different parts of the breast most commonly in the ducts or lobules and may spread if not detected early.

Dr. Ojas explained that breast cancer is now one of the most common cancers among women in India, but also one of the most treatable when identified early.

“Breast cancer is curable when detected in the early stages,” she said. “Awareness and timely screening are our strongest tools.”

Common breast cancer symptoms

One of the most important takeaways from the session was learning to recognize the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Dr. Ojas encouraged everyone to know their normal and look out for the following:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
  
• Changes in breast shape or size
  
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
  
• Nipple inversion or discharge (especially if blood-stained)
  
• Redness or flakiness on the nipple or breast skin
  
• Persistent pain in one area of the breast

She recommended performing a self-breast examination once a month preferably a week after menstruation and seeking medical advice if any changes are noticed.

“Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but every lump deserves to be checked,” she emphasized.

What are the risk factors of breast cancer?

Dr. Vadha discussed several factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer, including:

• Age: Risk increases after 40 years
  
• Family history or inherited genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
  
• Hormonal factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy
  
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking
  
• Reproductive factors: Late pregnancy or no pregnancies

However, she was quick to add that many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors, highlighting the importance of regular screening for all.

Prevention through lifestyle choices

While not all cases can be prevented, a healthy lifestyle can reduce risk significantly.
Dr. Ojas suggested simple, practical habits for prevention:

• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily
  
• Eat balanced meals: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods
  
• Maintain a healthy weight
  
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
  
• Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or hobbies

“Prevention doesn’t mean perfection,” she noted. “It’s about consistency and self-awareness.”

Screening and early detection

Early detection remains the cornerstone of successful breast cancer treatment. Dr. Vadha stressed that mammograms can detect tumors long before they can be felt, improving survival rates dramatically.

Recommended screening guidelines:

• Women aged 20–39: Monthly self-exam + clinical breast exam every 3 years
  
• Women aged 40 and above: Annual mammogram + clinical breast exam

She also encouraged genetic testing for those with a strong family history.

Offering annual health checkups under your company’s employee benefits plan can encourage early detection and timely treatment reducing both medical and emotional stress.

The interactive session concluded with an engaging Q&A like:

• Is breast cancer curable?
  “Yes, When caught early, breast cancer is highly curable with surgery, radiation, or targeted therapies. Even advanced cases are increasingly manageable thanks to modern treatment.”
  
• Can men get breast cancer?
  “Yes, though rare, men can develop breast cancer too. Awareness is important for everyone.”
  
• What’s the right age for a mammogram?
  “Start annual mammograms from 40 years or earlier if you have family history or risk factors.”

How can workplaces support breast cancer awareness?

Workplaces play a crucial role in promoting breast cancer awareness and supporting employees through preventive healthcare. 

Here’s how organizations can make a difference:

• Organize awareness sessions:
  Invite healthcare professionals to conduct Breast Cancer Awareness Day talks, workshops, or Q&A sessions. These sessions help employees understand what breast cancer is, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection.
  
• Include preventive screenings in benefits:
  Offer annual health checkups that include breast examinations, mammograms, and wellness tests under corporate wellness programs.
  
• Promote flexible health leaves:
  Allow employees time off for medical checkups, screening, or treatment without stigma. This builds a culture of trust and shows genuine concern for employee wellbeing.
  
• Integrate health campaigns:
  Participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives like pink ribbon campaigns, wellness drives, or donation matches for cancer research. These initiatives boost engagement and show social responsibility.
  
• Provide comprehensive group health insurance:
  A group health insurance policy can cover cancer-related treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hospitalization costs. Some policies even offer coverage for preventive screenings and second medical opinions. Partnering with an employee benefits provider like Pazcare ensures employees receive holistic protection, both preventive and curative.
  

Key takeaways from the session

• Know the symptoms and perform monthly self-exams
• Get screened regularly, especially after 40
• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
• Don’t ignore changes, seek medical advice early
• Spread awareness among friends, family, and colleagues

“Breast cancer awareness begins with conversations like these,” Dr. Vadha concluded. “When we talk openly, we replace fear with knowledge and hesitation with action.”