Breast Cancer Is The Most Common Type Of Cancer For Women & Other Facts One Should Know About The Disease

In India, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women. Irrespective of geographical locations across the country, breast cancer is variably the most common type of cancer as the leading cause of death for women.

In our country, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes and a woman dies of it every 13 minutes.

In 2012, 70,218 women died of breast cancer in our country; it was the highest in the world that year.

Hindawi

The high mortality rate is due to a lack of awareness and delay in screening and diagnosis. It is extremely important to do regular check-ups to detect any unusual growth in your breast. You can either do it on your own or can visit a doctor for confirmation.

Since breast cancer cannot be prevented and can only be treated if detected in time, it is important to medically report any sign of unusual growth. In order to ensure that it is detected within time, firstly, one should understand breast cancer diagnosis, symptoms and treatment.

Self-tests are important and all women should learn them. If a woman feels any abnormality in her breasts such as a lump, she should visit an oncologist immediately.

Spreading awareness about the same is also very crucial. Educate women in your family, talk to your friends and colleagues, and most importantly, keep yourself updated on anything and everything about breast cancer.

Healthline

Often, women forget to do self-tests which could lead to a late detection and diagnosis. In order to make sure that women are reminded to keep a check on their breasts, Marks & Spencers has come up with a brilliant and extremely helpful initiative.

The clothing brand has been closely working with the Women's Cancer Initiative and Tata Memorial Hospital since 2016 to raise awareness and educate women about the cause, signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

M&S

Its latest initiative is known as 'Straps That Remind' and is a helpful way to remind women to check their breasts for any abnormalities. Since bra straps are something women intimately interact with on a daily basis, women can now be reminded to do self-tests every day.

The 'Straps That Remind' are transparent straps that are printed with thermochromic ink and the message reads, ¡®With regular check-ups, the chances of late- detection of cancer can diminish, just like this message¡¯.

M&S

The message starts to diminish due to body heat when the straps are worn and re- appear when the straps are taken off. The straps also come with a detailed leaflet from the Women's Cancer Initiative to educate and inspire women to keep a check on their health and watch out for any early signs of breast cancer.

James Munson, MD, Marks & Spencer India said, ¡°Straps That Remind is a unique tool to remind women to check for the unusual (changes) in their own personal space. I feel proud that we have been able to support such an important cause innovatively."

M&S

Here is an introductory video on 'Straps That Remind'.

Mrs. Deveika S. Bhojwani, Vice-President, Women¡¯s Cancer Initiative ¨C Tata Memorial Hospital said, ¡°Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in India, which if detected at the early stages can be cured. Straps That Remind is an excellent step in that direction to help women read the early signs of breast cancer and get them checked.¡±

Marks and Spencers introduced these straps on the occasion of International Women's Day 2021. They are available in all M&S stores across India and come free of cost as a gift from the brand.

M&S

Stay safe. Keep regular checks on your breasts and watch out for your loved ones.