Breast Cancer It is one of the most common and aggressive forms of cancer in India and worldwide, with 1 in 8 women at risk of developing it.
According to Srikanth CN, Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, HIPEC Surgery, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, the mean age of its onset is 63 years, but recently there has been an increase in breast cancer among young women. “Survival rates have improved over the years with advances in research and treatment. Prevention and early diagnosis are key strategies to fight this,” he says.
According to the doctor, need to do increase awareness Because most cancers diagnosed in India are in the third stage. If someone is having surgery, he says, there are some dos and don’ts to follow for a quick recovery. This includes, among other things, focusing solely on the patient’s health after the operation.
worth doing
1. Relax – Get plenty of rest as it helps in faster recovery
2. Take care of your emotional health – Join a support group or find a breast cancer survivor to talk to. Keep up with recent developments in breast cancer research. If necessary, consider getting medical attention.
3. Arm and Shoulder Exercises Regular stretching exercises can reduce pain and the need for pain medications to regain shoulder function and mobility.
4. Take Pain Medications Numbness and pain are common after surgery; The upper arm is sensitive to touch which may take several weeks to heal. Take enough painkillers for better recovery.
5. Practice Hygiene and Wound Care Avoid wetting the wound with regular dressings and good personal hygiene for better and faster recovery.
6. Drain Care – Needs to be taken care of drains that are kept at the surgery site for 2-3 weeks.
7. Eat Right Make sure you eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables during your recovery period.
Swelling of the arm on the side of surgery (lymphedema) due to blockage of lymphatic channels can develop months or even years after surgery. (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)
8. Wear Compression Clothing – Make sure your breasts are fully supported (compression bra) for at least the first six weeks after your surgery (breast conserving surgery). Use pillows to elevate your arm at night to reduce swelling (mastectomy pillow).
9. Consult Your Oncologist Swelling in your armpit (seroma) due to fluid accumulation, which requires pain relief. Swelling of the arm on the side of surgery (lymphedema) due to blockage of lymphatic channels can develop months or even years after surgery.
10. Ask – Ask your surgeon for breast reconstruction at the time of surgery (immediate/delayed).
11. Follow-up Examination – Weekly after surgery, subsequently – after completion of treatment – every 3 months for the first two years, every 6 months for up to 5 years, and once annually after 5 years.
what not to do
*Do not bathe after surgery until complete recovery.
*Do not drive for 4 weeks after surgery.
* Do not inject or take blood pressure or blood samples on your affected arm.
* Do not wear tight-fitting bra straps, sleeves, watches or rings.
* Do not lift, push, pull, or repeat anything heavy with your affected hand.
* Do not delay if you develop hand swelling (lymphedema); Consult your oncologist.
“Within five years after the lumpectomy, recurrence of localized breast cancer is most common,” says Dr. Srikanth.
He adds that the following things can help reduce recurrence:
, chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery
Hormone therapy in patients with positive hormone receptors
– frequent exercise
– Control your weight and eat a balanced diet with limited alcohol consumption
– Attending all planned screenings
– not smoking
The doctor concluded, “If you notice any physical changes contact your oncologist or primary care physician.”
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