October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's a time we don the pink ribbons and dedicate our efforts toward education of the disease. But your strongest weapon against the ailment is early detection. So keep abreast with information. It may save your life.
In Malaysia, there is an estimated 35 breast cancer patients per every 100,000 people. For between half and one third of the women within that population, the disease will prove fatal, making it one of the leading causes of cancer deaths for Malaysian women.
But it's a disease that's easily curable if caught early. Know what to look for and help save yourself.
But it's a disease that's easily curable if caught early. Know what to look for and help save yourself.
A Malaysian woman has a 1 in 19 chance of getting breast cancer some time during her life. Breast cancer is most common amongst the Chinese, followed by the Indians and then, Malays.
Breast cancer formed 31 per cent of newly diagnosed cancer cases in women in 2003, an increase from 30.4 per cent in 2002.
Breast cancer formed 31 per cent of newly diagnosed cancer cases in women in 2003, an increase from 30.4 per cent in 2002.
NOT ONLY WOMAN!! MAN SHOULD TAKE CONCERN TOO!!!
In Malaysia, the National Cancer Registry reported 56 news cases of male breast cancer in 2002 and 24 new cases in 2003. In 2002, the male breast cancers were diagnosed in 26 Malay, 22 Chinese and 5 Indian men. 71 per cent (40 of them) were diagnosed in those aged 50 years or elder.
Of the 24 new cases reported in 2003, 11 were in Chinese men, while 7 were in Malay men.
Of the 24 new cases reported in 2003, 11 were in Chinese men, while 7 were in Malay men.
How and why
A specific cause of breast cancer has yet to be identified, but several suspected risk factors have been identified. These include being overweight, having a family history of breast cancer, using hormone replacement therapy after the age of 50, or taking certain contraceptive pills. The risk of developing breast cancer also increases with age, with 8 out of ten cases occuring in women over the age of 50.
(Source: www.macmillan.org.uk)
A specific cause of breast cancer has yet to be identified, but several suspected risk factors have been identified. These include being overweight, having a family history of breast cancer, using hormone replacement therapy after the age of 50, or taking certain contraceptive pills. The risk of developing breast cancer also increases with age, with 8 out of ten cases occuring in women over the age of 50.
(Source: www.macmillan.org.uk)
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the lobules - the milk producing glands or ducts, become unusual and split uncontrollably.
What to look for
A breast lump is the first symptom in nine out of 10 breast cancers. However, a woman's breasts are rarely the same size and may feel different at different times of the menstrual cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy just before a period. If you do detect a lump during a self-examination, have it checked by your doctor. Other things to look for are: skin changes like dimpled or redness of the breast, an inverted nipple or bloodstained nipple discharge, an unusal change in size, or any pain. Lymph glands in the armpit may also be swollen if affected by the cancer cells.
A breast lump is the first symptom in nine out of 10 breast cancers. However, a woman's breasts are rarely the same size and may feel different at different times of the menstrual cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy just before a period. If you do detect a lump during a self-examination, have it checked by your doctor. Other things to look for are: skin changes like dimpled or redness of the breast, an inverted nipple or bloodstained nipple discharge, an unusal change in size, or any pain. Lymph glands in the armpit may also be swollen if affected by the cancer cells.
AM I RISK?
Use this checklist to see if you fall into a high risk category.
Use this checklist to see if you fall into a high risk category.
Did you get your period at an early?
There are many types of breast cancer. 60 per cent of this variety have shown a senstivity to oestrogen, so the more oestrogen you've been exposed to - like in the case of early menstruation (before the age of 12) or late menopause (after the age of 55) - the higher your risk of developing breast cancer.
When did you have children?
Having children before the age of 28 reduces your risk of breast cancer. This is probably due to changes in the breasts during pregnancy, which are thought to make them more resilient. Breastfeeding is also a preventitive measure against the cancer.
Are you overweight?
Fat tissue produces oestrogen, increasing your risk of developing breast cancer. Stick to lean meats, low fat dairy and maintain lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Are you often sleep deprived?
Japanese research has found getting less than six hours sleep every night increases your risk of breast cancer.
Studies have also found that processed sandwich meats may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Charred food from a BBQ, for example, has also been linked to cancer.
Do you drink lots of alcohol?
One alcoholic drink a day increases your risk.
Do you have a strong family history of breast cancer?
If someone in your family has been diagnosed, especially a mother or sister, then you are also more at risk. But, less than five per cent of breast cancer is due to an inherited risk.
Breast cancer awareness around town
Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Roadshows will be at following locations: One Utama (Oct 12-15) Mid Valley Megamall (Oct 18-21) Sogo (Oct 15-27)
Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Roadshows will be at following locations: One Utama (Oct 12-15) Mid Valley Megamall (Oct 18-21) Sogo (Oct 15-27)
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