Take the right precautions
THE threat of breast cancer must not be taken lightly as the disease afflicts a global estimated figure of more than one million women every year. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, after lung cancer.
Due to the severity of the disease, women need to learn the importance of recognising the early signs of breast cancer and to seek medical attention before the cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
According to Dr Chong Kwang Jeat, resident radiotherapy and oncology consultant at Mahkota Medical Centre ( MMC) in Malacca, the level of awareness among Malaysians must be improved.
“The level of awareness is higher in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, as people generally have a higher socioeconomic status and are better educated in matters related to the disease.
“But there are still a number of patients, especially those from rural areas, who come into our hospital when they are already in the advanced stages of breast cancer,” says Dr Chong.
Dr Chong believes that although the general awareness levels are increasing, there is a lot more that has to be done so that women in rural areas consult medical specialists as soon as they find something amiss and while they are still in the early stages of the disease.
“Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, meaning it’s a bag of various diseases. This, along with the different types and stages of the cancer, are important elements that determine what sort of treatments the patients undergo,” says Dr Chong.
After a lumpectomy or conservation surgery, patients may require chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and/ or targeted therapy.
“To determine the most suitable treatment option for each patient, tumours are sent to the laboratory so that pathologists can examine and provide a detailed report. It is only after the doctors have looked at all the information will they decide on the required treatment,” he says.
Signifying a current trend of treatment in oncology, all treatment programmes are individualised and tailor- made for each patient.
The most important factor for breast cancer survival is to receive the necessary treatments while the disease is still in its early stages.
“In general, at stage four, even the best treatment in the world cannot save and cure you. Early detection and receiving immediate appropriate treatments save lives,” says Dr Chong.
“There are women who only come to the hospital after they realise that their alternative treatments did not work and they then learn that the cancer has progressed to the advanced stages. People must come in for appropriate treatments as soon as they get confirmation of the disease,” he stresses.
The journey does not end after surgery. Rehabilitation programmes are also important for their physical, mental and emotional well- being.
Dr Chong advises breast cancer survivors to try as much as possible to lead a normal life and believes that survivors can lead equally good lives as anyone else, if not better.
This is because they can and do become stronger after the experience and begin to appreciate loved ones and life more.
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