Are you still burying your head in the sand? 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Approximately 7 women will die every day from breast cancer, and that’s only in Australia. Translate that into Indonesian statistics and we are probably looking at more than 70 women every day! These statistics have almost doubled in the last 20 years, partly because diagnostic techniques have improved, and partly because of lifestyle influences such as women smoking, taking HRT, having children later in life, breast feeding less and obesity. So here are 10 things you need to know, or you need to pass on to a woman that you care about.
1. Know your risk factors for breast cancer. Getting older and having a family history of cancer are the most common risk factors. Breast cancer 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. Risk is increased in women who have previously suffered from cancer of the breast, ovaries, or womb. 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.
2. Should women check their breasts and how often?
It is important for women of all ages to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts as part of every day activities, such as showering, dressing, putting on body lotion or simply looking in the mirror. Regular mammograms are not recommended for women under the age of 40 because they are not effective in detecting breast cancer early in younger women. This is because younger women’s breast tissue is dense, making it difficult to detect early signs of breast cancer. As a woman grows older and her breast tissue becomes less dense, it becomes more transparent on a mammogram and it’s easier to detect early signs of cancer.
3. How do you check your breasts correctly?
Most breast irregularities are detected by women themselves. (Go to www.nbocc.org.au for complete self breast exam info). Getting to know what’s normal for you will help you to detect any new or unusual breast changes. It’s never too early to start being breast aware and it’s important to keep up the habit, even if you’re having regular mammograms.
4. What sort of changes should you look out for?
• A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• A change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion.
• A nipple discharge that occurs with squeezing.
• A change in the skin of the breast such as redness or dimpling.
• An unusual pain that doesn’t go away. Nine out of 10 breast changes are not due to cancer, but always see a doctor to be sure.
5. What else can cause these kinds of breast changes?
A lump or other changes in the breast may be caused by hormonal changes, which make a wom an’s breast feel different at various times during her menstrual cycle. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, and fibro-adenomas, which are smooth, firm breast lumps made up of fibrous and glandular tissue, are also common and benign causes of breast changes.
6. What should you do if you see or feel a change in your breasts?
See your doctor without delay. The doctor will examine your breasts and usually order imaging tests such as a mammogram and/or an ultrasound. Sometimes a biopsy is also needed.
7. How does breast cancer actually develop?
“Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast grow out of control,” says Dr Zorbas. “These abnormal cells can then invade the surrounding breast tissue. If left un treated, cancer cells in the breast tissue can break away and spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.”
8. What can women do to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer?
Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of the disease include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight and moderating alcohol intake. Other factors known to decrease the risk of breast cancer are having children earlier in life – before the age of 30 – and breastfeeding for 12 months or longer.
9. If you’ve had breast cancer, which lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of the disease returning?
Maintaining a healthy body weight, diet and regular exercise help maintain good health. Maintaining a healthy body weight is especially important, as obesity and weight gain after treatment have been linked to an increased risk of cancer recurrence. Recent studies also suggest that actively participating in moderate exercise at least five times a week can reduce the risk of the breast cancer recurring.
10. What’s new in the world of breast cancer research?
A new test that uses hair to detect the possible presence of breast cancer should become available in Australia within the next year. The Fermiscan Test successfully completed a 2000-patient trial earlier this year with a 75 per cent accuracy level. Other tests in the more distant future include a bloodtest and a breath test that may one day help diagnose breast cancer.
(Excerpts News.Com.au)
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.
