Changing lifestyles also contribute to breast cancer

Changing lifestyles also contribute to breast cancer • Regular checkups are a must to identify any possible risk factors • Those with a genetic predisposition must get screened on time New Delhi, 17 September 2017: Of all cancers in women in India, breast cancer accounts for 27% of such cases. Its incidence rises in the early 30s and peaks between 50 and 64 years of age. Statistics also indicate that 1 in 28 women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.[1] According to the IMA, breast cancer is developing at a younger age in Indian women. The difficulty in treatment is due to lack of awareness and the resultant delay in diagnosis. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the breast tissue. Among the many risk factors are interplay of genes, the environment and lifestyle. It is imperative for women over the age of 30 to go for mandatory screenings and tests, and make certain lifestyle changes to lower their risk of developing breast cancer. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “It is known that normal breast cells become cancerous due to mutations in the DNA. Although some of these are inherited, most DNA changes related to breast cells are acquired during one's life. Cells grow with the help of proto-oncogenes. When these cells mutate, they can increase growth of cells without any control. Such mutations are referred to as oncogenes. An uncontrolled cell growth can lead to cancer. The mutations occur in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Those who inherit a mutated gene from a parent have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer. Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.” Some symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or armpit, bloody nipple discharge, inverted nipple, orange-peel texture or dimpling of the skin over the breast, breast pain or sore nipple, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit, and a change in the size or shape of the breast or nipple. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Estrogen stimulates cells of the breast’s glandular tissue to divide. The longer a woman is exposed to estrogen, the greater her risk for breast cancer. Estrogen exposure is increased if a woman began menstruating at or before 11 years of age, or if she experiences menopause at age 55 years or older. Women age 45 and older should have a screening mammogram every year until age 54. Women 55 years of age and older should have biennial screening or continue screening annually.” Here are some tips to prevent breast cancer. Limit alcohol consumption Alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Limit the intake to 1 drink per day as even small amounts can increase risk. Avoid smoking Research indicates that there is a link between smoking and breast cancer and therefore, it is best to quit the habit. Control your weight and be active Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. Have an active lifestyle and exercise regularly for about 30 minutes a day. Breast-feed Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. Use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have the doctor monitor the length of time for which you take the hormones. Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low in fat. Avoid stress, as it reduces immunity and impairs defense mechanisms of the body. Practice yoga, deep breathing exercises.

Nine preventable risk factors are responsible for 90% of heart attacks

Nine preventable risk factors are responsible for 90% of heart attacks New Delhi, September 29, 2016: One can prevent heart attacks. Nine preventable risk factors are responsible for 90% of heart attacks, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India & National President Elect IMA on the occasion of World Heart Day. These are (in order of importance): 1. Increased LDL/HDL ratios (elevated bad LDL and low good HDL cholesterol levels) 2. Smoking 3. Diabetes 4. Hypertension 5. Abdominal obesity 6. Psychosocial (stress or depression) 7. Failure to eat fruits and vegetables daily 8. Failure to exercise 9. Failure to drink any alcohol The forthcoming MTNL Perfect Health Mela being organized from Health & F.W. Dept. NCT Delhi, MTNL, NDMC & other Central & Delhi state Government department by HCFI will focus on screening these nine risk factor added Dr K K Aggarwal One can prevent heart attack by following Dr KK’s Formula of 80. 1. Keep lower BP, bad cholesterol levels, resting heart rate, fasting sugar and abdominal girth levels all less than 80. 2. Keep kidney and lung functions more than 80%. 3. Engage in recommended amounts of physical activity (minimum 80 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise per week). Our recommendation is to walk 80 minutes a day and for 80 minutes per week the speed should be 80 steps per minute 4. Eat less and not more than 80 gm of ml of caloric food each meal. Follow a healthy diet (high fiber, low saturated fat, zero trans fat, low refined carbohydrate, low salt, high in fruits). Refined carbohydrates are white rice white maida and white rice. 5. Doing 80 cycles of pranayama a day 6. Spend 80 minutes with yourself every day (relaxation, meditation, helping others etc) 7. Do not smoke or be ready to dole out Rs 80,000/– for treatment. 8. Those who drink, do not want to stop and there is no contraindication, limit alcohol use to no more than 80 ml per day for men (50% for women) or 80 grams per week. 10 grams of alcohol is present in 30 ml or 1 oz of 80 proof liquor. Diabetes can be prevented by controlling five lifestyle factors. These are: 1. Follow a healthy diet 2. Maintain an optimal body weight (less than 23 × height in meters × height in meters) 3. Engage in recommended amounts of physical activity. 4. Limiting alcohol to recommended amount. 5. Not smoking. When and how to suspect a heart attack? 1. Chest pain, burning, discomfort, heaviness in the center of the chest lasting for over 30 seconds and not localized to a point. 2. First onset acidity after the age of 40 first rules out heart attack 3. First attack of asthma after the age of 40 may be heart asthma 4. Any symptom which is unusual, and appearing for the first time and cannot be explained: contact your doctors In heart attack what to do? 1. Do not panic 2. Chew a tablet of water–soluble 300 mg aspirin at the onset of chest pain. You will not die. 3. Call 42000565 or reach Moolchand Medcity within three hours of chest pain for a clot removal procedure. We will not let you die. If someone dies what to do? 1. The soul does not leave the body for 10 minutes 2. Within ten minute of death for the next 10 minutes do effective chest compression with a speed of 100 per minute. 80% people can be revived.