Understanding breast cancer
Breast cancer survival rates are rising as screening and treatment improve, but it is still the most common cancer in women.
ALL women are at risk of getting breast cancer, but there are a few risk factors that make it more likely, specifically, age and genetic factors.
For example. the chances of developing the disease increases the older you get.
Genetic factors are another consideration. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer puts a woman at greater risk.
The same applies if a woman started menstruating early or if she enters menopause late.
Other risk factors include:
● Having a first child after the age of 30
● Women who have never had children
● Women on hormone replacement therapy
● Weight gain after menopause
● Leading a sedentary lifestyle
The importance of early detection
It’s important to note that the absence of any risk factors does not safeguard a woman from breast cancer.
Regular screening and self breast-examination are important and recommended for the early detection of breast cancer, as the initial stages of the disease may not have any symptoms.
It is recommended that a woman have regular mammograms coupled with monthly breast self-examination.
Mammograms are x-rays of the breast that detect small lumps.
The average size of lumps detected via a routine mammogram is one centimetre.
In comparison, the average size of a lump found by regularly practising breast self examination is two centimetres.
The smaller the tumour, the better the chances of a cure.
In addition, tumours that are detected very early might only require radiation and minor surgery as treatment.
Doctors recommend that women aged over 40 undergo a mammogram every year, while those aged above 50 should go for a screening every two years.
If your mammogram results are abnormal and you are asked to go for further tests, don’t panic.
Nine out of every 10 women who need further tests will have normal results.
So, having to go for additional tests does not necessarily mean you have cancer.
Your doctor will recommend suitable tests for you, such as a repeat mammogram where different views of the breasts are taken or an ultrasound where sound waves are used to examine the breast tissue.
Treatment of breast cancer
If breast cancer is confirmed after further tests, treatment options will depend on the following:
● The stage of the cancer
● Types of cancer cells
● The age and general health of the individual
The options for breast cancer treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.
Although better surgery and improved drugs have enhanced survival rates for breast cancer, there are a few lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your chances of getting the disease:
● Stop smoking
● Drink less alcohol
● Maintain a healthy weight through physical activity
● Eat less red meat and other animal fats, as well as processed food
● Avoid hormone replacement therapy if possible
● Have children early.
Ensure you are adequately covered
It goes without saying that the fight against cancer can be a lengthy process, and one that is physically and emotionally draining.
Yet, beyond the mind and body, the battle against cancer is also a costly affair. Hospitalisation and surgical costs can wipe out savings.
In addition, many patients tend to overlook other costs, such as regular diagnostic tests, counselling and rehabilitation.
As the treatment process can be lengthy, expenses tend to snowball over time.
It is important for patients and their families to plan and manage their finances and resources so that treatment is sustainable.
Do ensure that you have adequate insurance that not only covers surgery and hospitalisation costs, but also critical care treatment (this covers diagnostics, treatment and other aspects that a hospitalisation policy does not) and loss of income.
There are also early stage critical illness plans offering financial support from the early stages of cancer.
Remember that it is important to buy insurance at a young age, when you are still healthy – as individuals with existing health conditions are excluded from coverage.
Planning your finances and insurance is important and best started early so that your focus can be on recovery rather than worrying about the large bills that usually follow serious illness.
It will also spare your loved ones the emotional strain.
This article is brought to you by Great Eastern. Star Health Expo 2018 with the theme “Get Fit. Live Great!” is to inspire Malaysians to lead a healthy lifestyle and adopt a holistic approach that includes physical and mental health, emotional well-being and financial wellness. Star Health Expo 2018 is organised by I. Star Events Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Star Media Group Berhad with Great Eastern Life as exclusive event partner. It will be held in Halls 1 to 3 of the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur, from July 13 to 15. It is open from 10am to 7pm and admission is free. For enquiries, call 03-79671388 (ext 1541/1097) or visit www.facebook.com/starhealthexpo.