The Need for Breast Cancer Screening in Corporate Employee Health Programs

Breast Cancer at Glance

Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the breast, forming a tumour that can invade nearby tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body. The development of breast cancer progresses through stages, ranging from non-invasive (stage 0) to invasive and potentially spreading to distant organs (stage IV).

The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include age, family history, hormone levels, and estrogen exposure.

While breast cancer can affect both genders, it is more commonly found during breast screening in women and tends to occur in older age groups. However, it's important to note that it can occur at any age. 

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Here is the list of the most common symptoms of breast cancer, have a look-

• Presence of a lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit.
• Alterations in the size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast.
• Changes in the skin texture or appearance, such as dimpling or ridges.
• Unexplained swelling or reduction in breast size.
• Itching, irritation, or a rash on the breast.
• Changes in the position or shape of the nipple.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or around the collarbone.
• Nipple changes, including inward turning, redness, or scaling.
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), particularly if it is bloody.
• Swelling or a lump in the underarm region.
• Persistent pain in the breast or armpit.

How to Detect Breast Cancer?

The initial stages or the development of breast cancer might get overlooked if one is not looking out for the above-mentioned symptoms. However, if you have been aware and have found any symptoms during breast self-examination (BSE), then the following are used next for screening breast cancer-

1. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)

A Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) is performed by a healthcare professional to detect breast abnormalities. It involves a physical examination of the breasts and armpit areas for lumps or changes in texture.

2. Screening Mammography

Mammograms are X-rays used to detect breast cancer early. They confirm abnormalities found during breast examination. Compressed breasts create detailed images, checking for masses, lumps, microcalcifications, and distorted tissues. You can book mammography screening online with Newmi Care.

3. Biopsy

After confirming abnormalities, a biopsy is done to diagnose breast cancer. It involves removing a tissue or cell sample from the suspicious area for analysis. Biopsy techniques include fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy, depending on the abnormality's size, location, and characteristics. Book a biopsy online. 

Having understood the severity and prevalence of breast cancer and its potential impact on women employees, a viable step forward is to incorporate breast cancer care into the corporate health plans you provide. But why is it a good idea? let’s find out

Why Including Breast Screening Test in Corporate Health Programs, a Good Idea?

Here are all the reasons why it is a good idea for both the employer and employee-

• Early Detection of Cancer: Screenings used for breast examination for cancer can detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable, potentially improving prognosis and survival rates.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that their employer values their health and provides access to preventive care like mammography screenings can offer employees peace of mind and reduce anxiety related to their breast health.
• Women-Inclusive Work Environment: Including mammography screenings demonstrates a commitment to creating a women-inclusive workplace that prioritizes the health and well-being of female employees.
• Retention and Employee Loyalty: Offering comprehensive health programs, including mammography screenings, can enhance employee retention and loyalty, as employees feel valued and supported by their employer.
• Reduced Absenteeism and Healthcare Costs: Early detection of breast cancer through screenings can help identify and treat the disease at an earlier stage, potentially reducing the need for extensive treatments and associated healthcare costs. Additionally, employees who are healthier due to early detection are less likely to be absent from work.
• Compliance with Workplace Safety: Promoting breast health through mammography screenings contributes to creating a safe work environment that prioritizes employee health and well-being.

Now that you know about all these compelling benefits, you must be wondering how you can arrange for the breast cancer screening for your employees? Well, you can check out Newmi’s employee healthcare plan that not only offers breast screening tests but also provides personalised care for women employee. Right from their diet to their mental and physical well-being, Newmi Care will take care of every aspect of your employee’s health.

Read more about how employer can support women employee at workplace?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some tests for breast cancer screening?

Breast screening tests include-

• clinical breast examination (CBE),
• breast ultrasound,
• breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
• breast biopsy.

2. How to check for breast cancer at home?

There is no answer for how to check breast cancer at home because you can never be sure directly, you can only check for its symptoms. And for that, you will have to routinely perform breast examinations for cancer-causing abnormalities or the presence of any of the above-mentioned symptoms. And if you do, you must go for screening for breast cancer or a breast cancer screening.

Take a Step Now and Be a Caring Employer

Regular screenings and awareness of symptoms are essential for early detection and improved treatment outcomes. Understanding risk factors and promoting breast health can aid in the prevention and timely intervention of breast cancer.

Hence, introducing screening tests for breast cancer in corporate women health care programs will be a big step towards the well-being of your women employees. 

Take that step now! Get in touch with us and let us help you out in this noble cause. You can also check out our women at work program, it is one whole package of goodness and care.