Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women and the third most common cancer overall? Breast cancer affects 1 in 9 women over their lifetime [1]. On average, 8 New Zealand women will be diagnosed with breast cancer today [1]. Most will live for five years or longer if the cancer is diagnosed early, but more than 600 women die from it each year [1]. In India, 162,468 new cases of breast cancer were identified in 2018 [2]. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to take this opportunity to spread awareness about breast cancer and to remind you that early detection is the best way to fight breast cancer.
Breast cancer occurs when there are changes called mutation in genes that regulate breast cells development and growth, causing cells to divide abnormally [3]. As the number of cells increases, they form into a mass [3]. We don’t know what causes these mutations but, they could be caused by lifestyle or environmental factors. This includes, but is not limited to, UV light, smoking, and viral infection. Cancer can occur in the lobules, ducts, or the fatty tissue of the breast [3]. Lobules are milk-producing glands, while ducts are the channels that transport milk from the glands to the nipple [3]. The cancer cell is able to spread from the breast to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Symptoms of breast cancer include a breast lump, thickening of the tissue, inverted or crusty nipple, a blood-stained discharge from the nipple, breast pain, and changes in breast shape [1]. If you have any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. A benign cyst (non-cancerous fluid-filled sac within the breast), for example, can cause pain or a lump in your breast. With that being said, it is important to see your doctor have it checked.
Breast cancer can strike at any age, although it is most frequent in women aged 50 to 70 [1]. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are at a higher risk [1]. Other risk factors for breast cancer include having a family history of breast cancer and a genetic risk such as BRCA1 BRCA2 gene mutations.
Breast cancer can impact the lives of women in many ways. In the Indian context, a woman is traditionally expected to fulfil various roles in the family, including being a wife, mother, and mother-in-law, each with some significant responsibility in the family. However, the ability of the women to fully these responsibilities can be hindered during the course of breast cancer treatment [2]. Similar to other cancers, breast cancer can also impact the entire family emotionally and financially.
Despite being one of the most life-threatening diseases, breast cancer is often overlooked back home. Cultural and religious concerns mean that women do not utilise health services, are hesitant to consult male doctors, neglect their health due to home responsibilities, and are over-reliant on other family members help. Even today, women do not discuss personal matters about their bodies with their husbands, fathers or brothers. All of these contribute to a delay in detection and diagnosis and, therefore, a low survival rate in India.
In New Zealand, there is a national breast screening programme called BreastScreen Aotearoa. This programme offers women aged 45-69 free screening mammograms every two years to check for early signs of breast cancer in women. A mammogram is a safe, low dose x-ray of the breast that detects very small breast cancers before any signs or symptoms are noticed [4]. When cancer is detected early, there is a strong likelihood of less and successful treatment. This means, early detection through a mammogram can reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer. There is also a range of support services for women experiencing breast cancer, such as Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, Cancer Society NZ, Breast Cancer Support NZ, and Shocking Pink. The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has developed an app called ‘Pre Check’, which allows women to use their phone to
‘self-check' for signs of breast cancer [5]. When a symptom is found, the app notifies users via vibrations and pop-ups, prompting them to learn more about the symptom and to look for other signs [5].
The risk of breast cancer can be reduced by making diet changes, maintaining an active lifestyle, limiting alcoholic drinks and not smoking. Studies show that curcumin in turmeric and lignan in black til has anti-cancer effects, such as preventing the growth of breast cancer cells. Selenium found in sunflower seeds has also shown to be an important antioxidant to prevent breast cancer. Eating more fruits and vegetables, particularly cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and spinach, has many health benefits including, lowering the risk of breast cancer.
Other fibre rich foods such as whole grain, nuts and oats help reduce the level of oestrogen, which is thought to be one of the causes of breast cancer. Undoubtedly, exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Being physically active is associated with decreased breast cancer risk by regulating insulin and oestrogen.
It is high time we raise more awareness about breast cancer and support women to lower their risk of breast cancer, be screened and seek medical attention. I urge you to support this movement to help uplift women in need by reminding your loved ones to get mammograms, educate others about breast cancer risk factors and support/resources available, and reduce stigma through encouraging discussion about breast cancer. Together we can help protect women everywhere.
Disclaimer: This article was written by a student doctor from the University of Auckland Migrant Health Group. The information and opinions expressed in the article are not a reflection of the Indian Weekender, University, our employers or any DHB. We hope that you find them useful. Always chat to your GP or specialist if you have any concerns.