GLOBALLY, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685, 000 deaths in 2020, making it the most prevalent cancer in the world. In Saint Lucia, breast cancer is the number one cause of death in women and also the main cause of premature death in women. Most of these diagnoses are made in women from the age group 45-55 years.
The risk of breast cancer is increased with increasing age, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Approximately half of breast cancers develop in women who have no identifiable breast cancer risk factor other than gender (female) and age (over 40 years).
The symptoms of breast cancer can include:
• a breast lump or thickening, often without pain
• change in size, shape or appearance of the breast
• dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin
• change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
• abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.
The treatment for breast cancer depends on the subtype of cancer and how much it has spread outside of the breast to lymph nodes (stages II or III) or to other parts of the body (stage IV). The treatment includes surgery to remove the breast tumour, radiation therapy to reduce recurrence risk in the breast and surrounding tissues, medication to kill cancer cells and prevent spread, including hormonal therapies, chemotherapy or targeted biological therapies.
Healthy lifestyles, regular screening and early detection are key in improving the outcome of the breast cancer diagnosis.
The Ministry for Health together with the rest of the world observes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and intensifies public health education to improve awareness among women of the importance of screening, the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and, understand the importance of early detection and treatment. We anticipate that with accurate information more women would consult medical practitioners when breast cancer is first suspected, and before the cancer is advanced.
Early diagnosis needs to be linked to effective and timely cancer treatment that requires specialized cancer care.
This October, we invite you to join the Ministry of Health in reducing the impact of breast cancer by doing the following:
– Maintain a healthy lifestyle, healthy foods, regular exercise, adequate sleep, reduced stress, reduced alcohol intake and avoid smoking
– Visit your nearest Wellness Centre to access screening
– Learn to perform monthly breast self- exam. Our team at the nearest wellness center or your physician can provide guidance.
– Visit your healthcare provider with any concerns noted
– Encourage the women in your household, work place, place of worship and friends to do the same
– Contact the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs to schedule an education session, breast screening/health fairs for your team
– Participate in “Pink Fridays” Wear Pink every Friday in October or decorate your work stations in pink to raise the awareness and show support to our women, men and families who are affected by Breast Cancer.
– Participate and support Kick for a Cure which is a special event held during the month of October to launch the Veterans Football Championship.
Together we can save the lives of our loved ones.