Breast screening helps prevent cancer
CANCER is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines after diseases of the heart and the vascular system. As such, the dreaded deadly illness remains a national priority in the country with significant implications for individuals, families, communities and the health system.
While females have a significantly higher risk (100 times more), males are not exempted from having it. One in 1,000 males gets breast cancer in their lifetime.
Regular health check-ups and mammograms are the first line of defense and early discovery.
For breast self-checks: after puberty to menopause: once every month, one week after the start of period when the breast tissues are less tender; postmenopausal: once every month, a date easy to remember, like first or last day of the month; mammogram for women without symptoms and normal mammogram findings from preceding year; 40 to 49 years old, annually; and 50 years old and above, once every two years.
Ultrasound scans are also useful in complementing these screenings, while 3D mammography is recommended for a more thorough examination of dense breast tissues. Women can continue screening as long as their overall health condition is good and their life expectancy may be extended to at least 10 years. Dr. Wong Chiung Ing, a medical oncologist, says, “For me, breast cancer awareness is about looking after ourselves and taking charge of our own health. Women often take on many roles —daughter, mother, spouse — as well as juggle a busy career. It is therefore important to make sure that we are healthy first before we can look after others.”
Should findings indicate you have cancer, don’t worry, there are treatment alternatives. Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, medical director and senior consultant, Medical Oncology from Parkway Cancer Center, says that there is available medical care in fighting the disease.
For more information, check https:// www.parkwaycancercentre. com/sg/learn-about-cancer/types-ofcancer/cancer-details/breast-cancer.