Fijian Businesses Lead The Fight Against Breast Cancer

According to Global Health Estimates women are killed at the highest rate from breast cancer in Fiji at the age 80+

It is encouraging to see business houses come out in numbers in support of the breast cancer awareness programme during Pinktober month.

Businesses like Vodafone Fiji Limited, Fiji Dairy Limited, Fiji Gas, Hard Rock Cafe to name a few have been instrumental in leading the charge in not only raising funds, but also to raise much needed awareness for a good cause.

It is estimated that worldwide over 508,000 women died in 2011 due to breast cancer (Global Health Estimates, WHO 2013). Although breast cancer is thought to be a disease of the developed world, almost 50 per cent of breast cancer cases and 58 per cent of deaths occur in less developed countries (GLOBOCAN 2008) and this is where women in Fiji come in.

Breast cancer is the top cancer in women worldwide and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease.

The annual mortality rate per 100,000 people from breast cancer in Fiji has increased by 51 per cent since 1990, an average of 2.2 per cent a year.

According to Health Grove, for men, the deadliness of breast cancer in Fiji peaks at age 75 to 79. It kills men at the lowest rate at age 30 to 34.

Women are killed at the highest rate from breast cancer in Fiji at age 80+. It was least deadly to women at age 20 to 24. At 246.5 deaths per 100,000 women in 2013, the peak mortality rate for women was higher than that of men, which was 1.8 per 100,000 men.

While business houses have taken a lead role, you too can play your part. Early detection is important and this is the chance for you to get a check up.

According to Mayo Clinic, below are some things to take on board to lower the chances of getting breast cancer:

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women. The following are steps you can take to lower your risk:

The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.

The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than 1 drink per day as even small amounts increase risk.

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. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer.

This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer.

For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends 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.

Breast-feed. Breastfeeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect. 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 might be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you are taking hormones. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerised tomography, use high doses of radiation. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and radiation exposure. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary.