Breast cancer in teenage girl highlights importance of early detection, here's what AIIMS doctor suggests

Recently, a 14-year-old girl from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh consulted the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi with advanced breast cancer. Remarkably, the cancer had progressed significantly since she first noticed a painless lump near her breast at the age of nine. Initially painless, the lump grew over the years, eventually causing discomfort and discharge of pus. It was only then that her family sought medical help, stressing the crucial need for early detection. The girl is currently undergoing treatment at the institute.

Early onset breast cancer cases are not uncommon in specialised hospitals like AIIMS. Dr GK Rath, former head of the AIIMS Cancer Hospital, noted that cases of breast cancer in young girls, though rare, are not unprecedented. Having also treated a patient as young as 12, he emphasised the importance of awareness and regular self-examinations among women and girls from a very young age.

Dr Rath reiterated the importance of early detection, saying that while breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection leads to effective treatment in 95% of cases. Regular self-examinations are therefore essential for women. In addition, mothers should monitor their daughters to detect any abnormalities at the earliest. He urged women to conduct monthly self-examinations and seek medical advice.

The exact causes of breast cancer remain largely unknown, with only 10% of cases linked to genetic factors. The majority of cases, about 90%, have unidentified origins. Dr. Rath advised women to be vigilant for symptoms such as lumps, bleeding or discharge from the breast, or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, and to seek prompt medical attention if any changes are observed. He also advised vigilance, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer, those who are unmarried or childless, or those over the age of 30.

Dr. Rath also addressed some common misconceptions among women, noting that some women ignore breast lumps if they are not causing pain, which can delay diagnosis. He stressed that it is essential to see a doctor, as a simple ultrasound can provide valuable information without the need for a mammogram.

In conclusion, Dr. Rath urged women and girls to prioritize their breast health and seek prompt medical attention if any concerns arise. Early intervention, he stressed, greatly improves the chances of successful breast cancer treatment.