Be breast smart
BREAST cancer continues to be the most common cancer in women, and more importantly, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.
According to obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Ryan Halsall, in developing countries such as Jamaica, breast cancer kills more women than in developed countries like the USA and UK.
He said this is largely due to the fact that those first world countries do a better job of screening for breast cancer.
As a result he expressed the need for women to be breast smart and vigilant about when and where to be screened for the disease.
“Screening is essentially the process by which we try to pick up the cancer in its very early stages before it has a chance to spread,” Dr Halsall said. The ObGyn pointed out that breast cancer screening usually involves three processes:
1. Monthly breast self-examinations
2. Examinations by your physician
3. Imaging tests, for example mammograms.
Dr Halsall said there are no strict guidelines as to when you should start doing self- examinations or have checks by your physician. However, since self-checks are free and easy, there’s no harm in starting as early as in your 20s. But it’s advisable to check your physician or nurse to ensure you have the proper technique before starting.
With respect to imaging, the ObGyn said the mammogram has been the “gold standard” in breast cancer screening for some time now.
“Most would agree to start biennial mammograms at age 50 and continue up to age 70. Some authorities advocate for an earlier start at age 40, and the decision to start early should be individualised,” he said.
But Dr Halsall said if you have a very strong family history of breast (or ovarian) cancer, you will require a much more rigorous screening process.
“This will include testing for cancer genes, more frequent physician exams, yearly mammograms and even MRIs of the breasts. Also, the age for screening in these patients is dropped to 25 years,” he said.
Dr Halsall advised that mammograms are offered at the Jamaica Cancer Society and at many X-ray and imaging operations islandwide.
Lifestyle changes can reduce your breast cancer risk
Other tips on how to be breast smart, according to the Mayo Clinic, include lifestyle changes which can decrease the risk of breast cancer.
So:
1. Limit alcohol
The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.
2. Don’t smoke
Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
3. Control your weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
4. Be physically active
Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, that’s at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
5. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast feed, the greater the protective effect.
6. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy
Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.
Moreover, be vigilant about breast cancer detection. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings.
–Kimberley Hibbert
