Breast Cancer Awareness Month

my Mum is a breast cancer survivor (23 years cancer free!). i did my first mammogram two years ago and discovered two lumps on either side (left and right breast). i went in and got it removed for biopsy and luckily it was benign. when my gynae suggested i do a mammogram (due to my Mum's history), i wasn't too keen to do it because of the "horror" stories i've heard about mammogram (the pain). anyways, i can tell you that it wasn't that bad lah. the lady at SMC who did it for me was really great - she saw my unease and spoke to me throughout the whole procedure which took my mind on what was going on. what i can say is, the pain was bearable - giving birth was more painful ok!

October is Breast Cancer Month. Get your mammogram and pap smears done - the early detection of breast cancer can be the key to survival or in other words, the earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances that treatment will work. If you’re Malaysian and you didn’t already know, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer afflicting Malaysian women of all races. Breast Cancer doesn’t discriminate!

So… what can you do?

1. Get Yourself Checked. Don’t delay.
Survey findings by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) for 2004 indicates only 53.2% of women in Malaysia ever having done a clinical breast examination.

2. Take Preventive Measures. Start NOW.
Now this is the part that seems to be rarely highlighted in Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns - but yes… there are factors in our lifestyle that can be modified to significantly cut down the risk of developing breast cancer. Poor lifestyle decisions/day-to-day choices - a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and smoking DO affect breast cancer risk, among numerous other health problems.

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known - factors that can increase a woman’s risk include heredity, early puberty, late childbearing, obesity and lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is age — just growing older. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50, and women over 60 are at the highest risk. The risk for developing breast cancer increases if her mother, sister, daughter, or two or more other close relatives, such as cousins, have a history of breast cancer, especially at a young age. However, 85% of women who develop breast cancer have NO known family history of the disease. Breast Health Education aims to help adolescent girls and women to understand the facts related to the breast and to familiarize with the normal changes in their breast. They could learn to recognize signs of early breast cancer.

When to do familiarization

• 7 -10 days after first day of menstruation
• If no longer menstruating, or very irregular menstruation - pick a day, e.g., first day of the month.

Signs of an Ill-Fitting Bra

• Breasts bulging at the top, sides or bottom of the bra
• Underwire digging into your skin
• Centre of front of bra does not lie against your chest
• Straps always falling off your shoulders
• Cup wrinkles
• Bra comes away from your body when you lift your arms

REMEMBER

• 1:20 women in Malaysia has a risk of getting breast cancer in their lifetime
• NOT ALL lumps are cancerous
• If you FIND any unusual change in your breast, see the doctor
• See the doctor or nurse even when the breast lump is NOT PAINFUL
• Tight-fitting or underwire bra DOES NOT cause breast cancer
• Fondling the breasts does not cause breast cancer

Your Responsibility

1. Familiarize with normal monthly changes in your breasts.
2. Have an annual clinical breast exam by your doctor.
3. Have an annual mammogram done if you are above 40 years of age.