The 1st of October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is also commonly referred to as Pink October.
It has been predicted that by the end of this year, 268,600 women and 2,600 men would have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 42,260 of these individuals will unfortunately die due to the disease.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a common disease which arises due to the uncontrollable growth of cells within the body. The disorderly growth occurs when the process of cell division breaks down, resulting in the unsignaled formation and unmanageable multiplication of abnormal or damaged cells. When these tumours are cancerous and dangerous, they are referred to as malignant tumours. The malignant tumours typically spread to other parts of the body, and cause further tumor growth. This process is referred to as metastasis.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. In the early stages of breast cancer, when the cancer has been found to be contained to the breast alone or the axillary lymph nodes, there is a high chance that via multimodal therapy the cancer will be cured. If the cancer is found in the advanced metastatic phase, treatments which are currently available aim to control the symptoms, prolong survival, and provide the individual with the best quality of life possible while living with breast cancer.
Risk Factors:
Smoking.
Obesity or being overweight.
Lack of exercise.
Alcohol use.
A positive family history of breast cancer, as roughly 10% of breast cancers are associated with genetic predisposition.
A positive family history of colorectal or ovarian cancer.
A past history of ovarian cancer.
A past history of radiation therapy.
Being a woman who began menstruating prior to age 12, or began menopause after age 55.
The long term use of the oral contraceptive pill.
The use of HRT for over 10 years with oestrogen and progesterone hormones.
Not ever having children, or having the first child after 30 years of age.
Mutations of the BRCA-1, BRCA-2 or PALB-2 genes.
Symptoms:
It is highly important that screening for breast cancer is carried out regularly, and prior to experiencing symptoms, in order to catch the disease in the early stages. According to guidelines, a mammogram should be done once every two years.
A lump, or hard, thickened area in the breast.
A lump situated under the arm.
Changes in the size and/or shape of the breast.
Pain, tenderness, discharge, and/or bleeding coming from the nipples.
Itchiness, rashes, and/or soreness on the nipples.
An inverted nipple.
Dimpling of the skin on the breast (having a texture that is comparable to that of an orange peel).
Redness.
Warmness or swelling in the breast.
Self-examination:
Breast self-examination should be done approximately once a month in combination with bi-yearly mammograms to increase the chances of early detection. Below, you can find a step-by-step guide on how to carry out a breast self-examination.
1.Look at your breasts in the mirror with your back straight and your hands on your hips.
Can you see any differences in size, shape, and colour?
Is there an inverted nipple?
2. Raise your arms.
Can you see any differences in size, shape, and colour?
Is there fluid or blood leaking out of one or both nipples?
3. Lie down and feel your breasts, using the right hand to feel the left breast, and vice versa.
Firmly press the breast using the pads of your fingers. Keep your fingers flat and together.
Make circular motions around the whole breast; you should cover the area from your collarbone down to the top of the abdomen, and your armpit to your breastbone.
4. Stand up and feel your breasts, using the same procedure as when you were lying down.
If you notice differences in your breasts, or think that you have found a lump during your self-exam, do not panic; there are a number of causes for breast lumps that are not cancer, such as typical hormonal changes. Call a doctor or gynecologist to make an appointment for an evaluation.
NGOs:
Below you can find two locally based NGOs which raise awareness about breast cancer, fund and provide support to those affected by breast cancer.
The Action for Breast Cancer Foundation is “a Voluntary Organisation that is campaigning for a quality assured service in order to diagnose and treat breast cancer in Malta and Gozo.” “[They] work towards strengthening everyone’s awareness on the danger of cancer and its repercussions on themselves and their loved ones.”
Europa Donna, The European Breast Cancer Coalition, “works to raise awareness of breast cancer and to mobilise the support of European women in pressing for improved breast cancer education, appropriate screening, optimal treatment and increased funding for research.”
Check out their websites here to learn more, gain support, and contribute to the cause:
The Action for Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.actionforbreastcancer.com
Europa Donna: https://www.europadonna.org/
Written by: Bettina Zammit