Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women worldwide, with over 2 million new cases diagnosed each year. It is a malignant tumor that develops in the breast tissue and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Today, breast cancers are treated in the best possible ways and the patients are able to get a complete cure.

Medical tourism platforms like Medditour connect the breast cancer patients with the international hospitals and facilitators to enable them to obtain best treatment and care at affordable cost on time.

Through this article, let us discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments of breast cancer, as well as the role of medical tourism in helping individuals receive effective treatment.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Common breast cancer symptoms are,

• A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm
• A change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody
• Redness or irritation of the breast skin or nipple
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
• Pain or tenderness in the breast.

It is important to note that these symptoms do not always indicate breast cancer, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional if any changes or abnormalities are noticed in the breast tissue.

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors that increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. These risk factors include,

• Age: Women above 50 years might get affected by breast cancer.
• Genetics: Women with a family history of breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
• Hormones: Women who have a history of estrogen exposure are at an increased risk of breast cancer. This includes women who started their periods at a young age, women who have taken hormone replacement therapy, and women who have not had children.
• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle factors, such as a lack of physical activity, obesity, and alcohol consumption, can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Treatments for Breast Cancer

There are several treatment options available for breast cancer, and the most appropriate treatment will depend on the individual’s specific case. Common treatment options include,

• Surgery: The most common form of breast cancer surgery is a lumpectomy, which involves removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. In some cases, a mastectomy may be necessary to remove the entire breast.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs which are capable of killing cancer cells in the body. Fortis Healthcare, in one of the articles on breast cancer states that the main goal of chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer is generally to improve quality and length of life rather than to cure the disease.
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used to block the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells, as some types of breast cancer rely on estrogen to grow.

Medical Tourism and Breast Cancer Treatment

For breast cancer patients, medical tourism can offer access to specialized treatment centers that may not be available in their home country. Additionally, medical tourism can provide more affordable treatment options, as the cost of healthcare can vary widely between countries.

Cancer.net states that the average 10 year survival rate for women with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer is 84% and if the invasive breast cancer is located only in the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. In general, optimism, courage, and a calm mind are essential for cancer patients to have complete cure. Especially, when the cancer patients take up surgery or radiation therapies, it would be good for them to relax in a serene atmosphere at international destination to come out of the trauma of the surgery or the therapy taken.

Medical tourism companies like Medditour give the opportunity for the breast cancer patients to combine their treatments with vacation at international destinations, which can be highly helpful in healing them quickly.

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm, changes in breast size or appearance, and nipple discharge. Medical tourism paves way for the best treatments for breast cancer in a cost-effective manner.