Breast Cancer

Cancer develops in any part of the body when cells grow abnormally and out of control. Breast cancer is a common type of cancer found mostly in women. However, men are also likely to develop breast cancer. Breast cancer symptoms may begin with lumps in both or either of the breasts. In some cases, the cancerous lumps may shift to the lymph nodes under the arms and then travel to any part of the body. The growth of cancer can take place in several regions of the breasts like-

• Milk producing gland
• Milk carrying ducts to the nipple
• Fatty connective tissue

To generate more and more awareness about this disease, breast cancer awareness month is also carried out globally from 1st October to 31st October. With alertness and the right knowledge, it can become easier to detect and remove breast cancer and save lives. In comparison to the earlier times, the fatality associated with this disease has been controlled to a great extent due to better knowledge of the signs of breast cancer, its diagnosis, and treatment.

Breast cancer is most likely to develop due to two known causes that affect other cancers as well. To get the correct treatment and stay safe, it is essential that you have breast cancer awareness. Let's start with understanding breast cancer causes-

• Abnormal Cell Growth:

  Breast cancer begins to develop when the gland and duct cells start growing abnormally. The uncontrolled growth of cells sometimes moves to the lymph nodes. Once they enter the lymph nodes underarms, it is most likely that they may easily spread to any other body part.

• Generic Reasons:

  Hereditary reasons play a significant role in the development of breast cancer. Around 5 to 10% of people may have a genetic history of this disease. Also, Gene 1 and Gene 2 of breast cancer may also result in ovarian or breast cancer.

• Other Causes:

  Apart from the two aforementioned causes, there may be other reasons as well. It may include changes in the environment, hormones, lifestyle, etc. Also, some lesser proven causes that may cause this disease in women are - the early menstrual cycle (less than 12 years of age), late menopause, alcohol, obesity, getting pregnant after 30, never being pregnant, etc.

Breast cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of breast cancer. Sometimes, in the early stage, there may be no signs of breast cancer. So, the wiser way is to go for a regular checkup. It helps in early diagnosis and treatment. Let's have a look at the breast cancer symptoms-

• Lumps or thickening in the breast
• Swelling in the breast
• Blood-like discharge or other discharge from the nipples other than the milk
• Inverted nipples
• Pitting or changes in breast skin
• Pain in the breast
• Swelling in the armpit
• Lumps in the armpit
• Peeling of the skin around the breast
• Reddish breast skin
• Change in size of breast other than during pregnancy or puberty.

There are 5 breast cancer stages. Stage 0 begins when the cells are limited to milk ducts. Their size may exceed 2 cm in width in the later stage and start affecting the lymph nodes. In the last stage of breast cancer, the cells move to other body parts and it becomes difficult to provide treatment.

There are two types of breast cancer-

• Non-invasive:

  • Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
  • Lobular Carcinoma in SITU (LCIS)

• Invasive:

  • Angiosarcoma
  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
  • Male breast cancer
  • Metastatic breast cancer
  • Paget's disease of the nipple
  • Phyllodes tumours of the breast
  • Triple-negative breast cancer

Preventing or reducing the risk of breast cancer is what people can do from their end. Some of these measures are-

• Regular checkups like mammograms and breast examinations as sometimes cancer may show no evident signs
• Daily exercise
• Moderate consumption of alcohol
• A healthy diet
• If you are already at risk, you may go for ovary or breast removal surgery
• Preventive medication, if suggested by a doctor

Some of the benefits associated with the breast cancer health insurance are -

• Financial assistance:

  During the times of need, the plan offers you the needed financial aid. This is why patients are also able to receive better facilities. The availability of network hospitals and cashless payment are added benefits.

• Covers various cancer stages:

  A health insurance plan that covers breast cancer also covers several other types of cancers. Multiple stages of cancer are also covered

• Rider Benefits:

  A health insurance plan with breast cancer cover may also offer rider benefits. This helps in enhancing the coverage of the policy.

• Lump-Sum Payment:

  On the diagnosis of the breast cancer, the lump sum amount is paid by the insurance company

• Tax benefits:

  Tax benefits can be availed under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act

Inclusions refer to the expenses covered in an insurance policy. In the case of breast cancer, a policy may cover-

• Pre and post hospitalization
• Domiciliary Hospitalisation
• Ambulance covers
• Medical expenses
• Daycare expenses

As everything cannot be included in an insurance policy, some of the expenses remain uncovered. These are-

• Skin cancer may not be covered
• Cancer caused due to STD, AIDS, HIV
• Cancer caused due to pre-existing medical conditions, biological, radiation, or chemical exposure
• Genetic diseases
• Cosmetic and dental treatments