Breast cancer: Not a death sentence
Across the world, every year October is a chance to create awareness, educate people and provide care for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones.
TUYEIMO HAIDULA
OSHAKATI
By far the most common cancer in women – both in developing and developed countries – in Namibia, breast cancer is the most recorded cancer, with over 500 new cases every year.
Statistics from the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) show that in 2013, the country recorded 315 cases, 558 in 2014, 546 in 2015, 539 in 2016 and 516 in 2017. There has been a delay in the latest figures for the past three years, CAN chief executive officer, Rolf Hansen, told Namibian Sun this week.
While the figures seem grim, there is a silver lining.
“Now in the 21st century, societies need to make sure that all women know that breast cancer is curable when detected early. Thanks to research, more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before. More than 80% of women with breast cancer are still alive, five years after diagnosis,” Ongwediva Medipark specialist surgeon Dr Shaaban Kaikai said.
Early detection saves lives
While survival rates are lower in Namibia than in the western world, Kaikai said early detection is the key to saving lives.
Early stages of breast cancer usually don’t present symptoms, but as tumours grow, they can change how a breast looks or feels, he said.
He added that a lump or thickening of the breast or even a change in the size or shape of the breast could be early signs of cancer.
“Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area could also be early manifestation of breast cancer. Other common symptoms include changes around the nipple, irritation or dimpling of breast skin or nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. A new lump in the breast or underarm are ominous symptoms of breast cancer.”
Men get it too
While mostly associated with women, breast cancer also occurs in men.
“Yes, men too can suffer from breast cancer. Though the numbers of breast cancer in men are low, they usually progress very fast to stage four due to the less dense breast tissue and fast regional spread,” Kaikai said.
“Therefore, advice for men is to seek medical consultation very early when they notice any breast symptoms.”
The importance of screening
Kaikai encourages the public to go for breast cancer screening, which gives doctors a chance to check the breasts for early signs of cancer in those who have no symptoms.
Several screening tests are available, including clinical and self-examination, mammography, genetic screening and ultrasound.
“Screening mammography often detects breast cancer early and reduces mortality rates,” he said, adding that health education and awareness have shown a lot of improvement in breast cancer outcomes as well.
“The community and society should make sure that people are empowered with the knowledge and tools so that they are able to fight this noble battle against these dreaded diseases. Communities need to encourage cancer group support who provide a supportive environment to help patients cope and gain perspective from cancer survivors,” he advised.
How often should you get screened?
The goal of screening is to find breast cancer early, before it has a chance to grow, spread or cause further problems.
Kaikai said many experts suggest mammograms every two years, while others urge people to get screened every year.
The schedule for screening, he said, might also be different for those who have a high risk of breast cancer. Regular screening generally continues well into your 70s.
Treatment
Breast cancer treatment includes surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and many also receive additional treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation. Chemotherapy might also be used before surgery in certain situations,” Kaikai said.
“Depending on the stage of the cancer, a combination of these therapies usually leads to good prognosis, especially if the cancer was detected early,” he added.
– [email protected]
OSHAKATI
By far the most common cancer in women – both in developing and developed countries – in Namibia, breast cancer is the most recorded cancer, with over 500 new cases every year.
Statistics from the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) show that in 2013, the country recorded 315 cases, 558 in 2014, 546 in 2015, 539 in 2016 and 516 in 2017. There has been a delay in the latest figures for the past three years, CAN chief executive officer, Rolf Hansen, told Namibian Sun this week.
While the figures seem grim, there is a silver lining.
“Now in the 21st century, societies need to make sure that all women know that breast cancer is curable when detected early. Thanks to research, more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before. More than 80% of women with breast cancer are still alive, five years after diagnosis,” Ongwediva Medipark specialist surgeon Dr Shaaban Kaikai said.
Early detection saves lives
While survival rates are lower in Namibia than in the western world, Kaikai said early detection is the key to saving lives.
Early stages of breast cancer usually don’t present symptoms, but as tumours grow, they can change how a breast looks or feels, he said.
He added that a lump or thickening of the breast or even a change in the size or shape of the breast could be early signs of cancer.
“Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area could also be early manifestation of breast cancer. Other common symptoms include changes around the nipple, irritation or dimpling of breast skin or nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. A new lump in the breast or underarm are ominous symptoms of breast cancer.”
Men get it too
While mostly associated with women, breast cancer also occurs in men.
“Yes, men too can suffer from breast cancer. Though the numbers of breast cancer in men are low, they usually progress very fast to stage four due to the less dense breast tissue and fast regional spread,” Kaikai said.
“Therefore, advice for men is to seek medical consultation very early when they notice any breast symptoms.”
The importance of screening
Kaikai encourages the public to go for breast cancer screening, which gives doctors a chance to check the breasts for early signs of cancer in those who have no symptoms.
Several screening tests are available, including clinical and self-examination, mammography, genetic screening and ultrasound.
“Screening mammography often detects breast cancer early and reduces mortality rates,” he said, adding that health education and awareness have shown a lot of improvement in breast cancer outcomes as well.
“The community and society should make sure that people are empowered with the knowledge and tools so that they are able to fight this noble battle against these dreaded diseases. Communities need to encourage cancer group support who provide a supportive environment to help patients cope and gain perspective from cancer survivors,” he advised.
How often should you get screened?
The goal of screening is to find breast cancer early, before it has a chance to grow, spread or cause further problems.
Kaikai said many experts suggest mammograms every two years, while others urge people to get screened every year.
The schedule for screening, he said, might also be different for those who have a high risk of breast cancer. Regular screening generally continues well into your 70s.
Treatment
Breast cancer treatment includes surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and many also receive additional treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation. Chemotherapy might also be used before surgery in certain situations,” Kaikai said.
“Depending on the stage of the cancer, a combination of these therapies usually leads to good prognosis, especially if the cancer was detected early,” he added.
– [email protected]
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