Genetic disposition along with environmental factors, mainly linked to lifestyle, has presently exposed one out of every 8 to 9 woman in Pakistan at risk to be inflicted with breast cancer. Pakistan observing World Cancer Day 2018, with the theme "We Can, I can," on Sunday is also registered to have a comparatively high incidence of breast cancer induced deaths due to late diagnosis and delayed referral to appropriate facilities.
This is in a scenario when Union for International Cancer Control(UICC) with the aim of supporting the World Cancer Declaration goals written in 2008 is trying to bring together people from across the world to ensure optimal awareness and significantly reduce incidence of cancer itself as well associated deaths by 2020.
Senior oncologist talking to APP said individuals can lessen the risk of getting diagnosed with cancer by avoiding tobacco, alcohol consumption and maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and proper physical activity.
It is important to get regular medical check-ups done and to be aware and spread word about the symptoms that could indicate a cancer scare, added Dr Rufina Soomro. Professor Shaista Khan, a seasoned oncologist warning that every woman is at risk to be inflicted with the ailment as compared to men said those with family history must be extremely cautious.
Urging women not to resort to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at the onset of menopause and later, she said hormonal changes in the body is a pre-cursor right from the age of puberty to later stage. "There is therefore a necessary requirement for every woman to be vigilant against the disease through regular self examination and formal screening throughout her life," she said.
Ageing was said to be a risk in itself with one out of every 1000 woman celebrating her 40th birthday; five out every 1000 woman attaining 50 years of age; 10 out of every 1000 reaching the age of 60 year and 16 of every 1000 women age 70 can be inflicted with breast cancer.
Early onset of menstruation and delayed menopause were said to be peculiar factors enhancing chances of the particular ailment among women. Dr Sana Zeeshan supplementing her senior colleagues said people in general and those who may have managed to win their battle against cancer need to extend emotional support to the ones fighting against cancer by sharing their own stories of surviving the life-threatening condition.
With specific reference to Breast Cancer, she said the disease is largely preventable through a healthy and active lifestyle with due attention towards weight control. "Breast feeding is a natural mode to prevent the ailment often construed to be terminal," said Dr Sana in reply to a question confirming that late deliveries and conceiving babies after 32 years enhance risk to breast cancer.
"There is no vaccine to prevent the ailment, however, culture to promote self examination among attaining age of puberty and mandatory mammography on annual basis at age of 40 plus can help avert associated risks," said Dr Sana Zeeshan Timely diagnosis was said to not only protect women from unwarranted pain and trauma associated with the disease caused due to malignant cells but also significantly reduce the treatment expenses.
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