It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Are You Aware
Breast cancer is a disease that should make every woman
sit up and listen! It is the most common form of malignant
disease in women. It develops in approximately 15% of women
by the time they reach eighty years of age, and it is the
leading cause of death in women aged between 44 – 55
years. Men may also suffer from cancer of the breast; however
the incidence is 100 times less likely than in females.
Risk factors increasing the incidence of breast cancer are:
Risk increases with age. It is rare in women under 25 years,
the incidence being highest in the 45 -55 year age group,
Women whose mothers or sisters have suffered from breast cancer
are at in increased risk, Women of Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent
have a two fold risk; however Japanese and Taiwanese women
have a greatly reduced (one fifth) chance of developing breast
cancer, Risk is increased in women who have previously suffered
from cancer of the breast, ovaries, or endometrium; however
the risk is decreased in women that have suffered from cancer
of the cervix, The risk is increased by factors increasing
the number of menstrual cycles, i.e. menstruating at an early
age and menopause over 50 years of age, never having children
and not breast-feeding, Obesity is an increased risk, Incidence
is increased in the higher socio-economic group. If you do
not fall into any of the increased risk groups, it does not
mean that you will never develop breast cancer!
One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be an abnormality
that shows up on a mammogram before it can be felt. This is
why women over 50 years of age are advised to have annual
mammograms to detect early changes in breast tissue. The most
common signs of breast cancer are a lump in the breast; abnormal
thickening of the breast; or a change in the shape or color
of the breast. Finding a lump or change in your breast does
not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Additional changes
that may also be signs of breast cancer include: Any new,
hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast, Change
in breast size or shape, Dimpling or puckering of the skin,
Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away, Pain in
one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle, Pulling
in of the nipple, Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and
appears only in one breast, An itchy, sore or scaling area
on one nipple
Breast Self Examination (BSE)
Prevention and early diagnosis is the best tactic in combating
this fatal disease. Breast self examination (BSE) is the best
way to detect abnormality of the breast in the early stages.
(Full instruction on BSE is available on the Bali Advertiser
Website on a previous breast cancer article). BSE should be
done at the same time each month. The best time is a couple
of days after the end of your period, when your breasts are
less likely to be tender or lumpy from hormone effects. If
you no longer have periods, choose a day you can remember
e.g. the first Monday of each month.
Remember: Only you can do Breast Self-Examination - no one
knows your body better than you do. Always consult your doctor
if you are concerned about any breast changes. He or she can
conduct a thorough manual breast examination, and may recommend
a mammogram (breast x-rays), and / or ultrasonic examination.
The combination of the methods you use will depend on your
age, your medical history and your doctor’s advice.
While there are mammogram facilities available in Bali, I
would recommend that examination at a complete breast care
facility (Australia, Singapore, Thailand), where staff and
specialists are highly trained in specific breast cancer diagnosis.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who
has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She
now runs her own private practice and medical referral service
from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns
with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com
or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
