Yasmin Williams - HEALTH-WISETODAY, I highlight the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviours as we focus on an important health issue affecting women - breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the US (apart from skin cancer) and according to our Jamaican Cancer Registry at the Department of Pathology, University Hospital, it is the most common cancer diagnosed among Jamaican women.
I think that perhaps, at this time, we need to take a step back and look at how a cancer develops in any organ of the body. All the organs of the body are made up of cells which normally reproduce themselves in a regulated manner as needed. When these cells produce new cells which are not needed, masses of tissue or tumours are formed. These tumours may be benign or malignant. Benign tumours are confined whereas malignant tumours, which are the cancers, have the potential to spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic fluid.
RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER
Age as a woman gets older the risk increases. Risk increases significantly over 50 years of age
Gender women are primarily affected but men can get breast cancer
Previous history of breast cancer
Genetic alteration women who have changes in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are more at risk
Family history a history of a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer suggests a greater risk for the disease, related to genetic alteration
Hormonal early menarche (start of menstruation)
Late menopause (cessation of menstruation)
Never had children (nulliparity)
Prolonged hormonal replacement therapy
Prolonged high-dose oestrogen birth control pills
Having first child at a late age
Prolonged exposure of the breast tissue to the hormone, oestrogen, is the reason for the risk from the hormone-related factors. The longer the period of uninterrupted exposure, the greater the risk. Environmental factors may increase the risk of breast cancer but there is no conclusive data at this time.
It should be noted that there are many women who have risk factors but do not develop breast cancer; so, if you have risk factors do not panic. Address what you can. Focus on healthy lifestyle behaviours that may prevent or delay cancer of the breast as well as behaviours for the early detection should it occur despite prevention efforts.
Breast cancer is reported to be more common in countries that have high fat intake per capita and excess body fat in the post menopausal woman, because of the associated increase in circulating oestrogen, appears to increase the risk for breast cancer.
Exercise is useful and important for reducing excess body fat and for generally improving health. Studies have indicated that exercise may be important for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Other studies have suggested a relationship between alcohol intake and breast cancer risk.
Each family doctor must target all female patients for education about the value and importance of mammography and regular self and professional breast examinations as the early detection of breast cancer is the result of faithfully using these three tools.
The Ministry of Health, the Health Authorities and the relevant non-governmental organisations must continue with programmes to raise public awareness and to train primary care health providers to integrate this health education in their routine daily activities.
Detecting breast cancer at an early stage means more likelihood of a cure, more treatment options and the ability to use simpler and cheaper treatment options.
I close by leaving you with a list of six behaviours to ensure the best breast health:
Regular exercise
A balanced diet that provides a good
variety of nutrients and plenty of fibre
Limitation of alcohol and dietary fat
Regular monthly breast self examination
Annual professional breast examination
Regular mammograms as per
recommended schedule.
Dr. Yasmin Williams is a Family Doctor and Public Health Specialist.
