Government statistics show that breast cancer kills 47.4 out of every 100,000 Malaysian women. About 64 percent of the cases involve those aged above 40. What's most alarming is that women are seeking treatment only the final stages: just 20 percent of those suffering from Stage One breast cancer actually seek treatment in hospitals. This is all the reason why more education is needed to create an awarness among the public.
Does Size Matter?
The size and shape of breasts can affect the way a woman feels about herself. Yet, bigger isn't always better. The rising number of women going for breast reduction indicates that excessively large breasts can be cumbersome. They can also cause severe backaches! Large breasts also tend to sag heavily, with age or as an effect of breastfeeding. Reduction mammoplasty can help, both in making the breasts shapelier or more balanced.
Breasts & Bras
The biggest problem in Asian countries is the low level of breast care. Many women are unaware of their bra sizes. Wearing a poorly fitted bra subjects the breasts to the power of gravity, so they sag. A good sports bra reduces the impact of bouncing by 45 percent. This protect the breast muscles from potential harm.A normal bra has a life span of about 60 to 90 wears, and should be changed daily for hygienic purposes. They should also change according to our body - during adolescence, breastfeeding or menopause.To know if you're wearing the right bra, check if your nipples are sitting in the centre of each cup. The side straps should fit firmly around the body, with the latch attached to the middle hook.
To take better care of your bosom buddies, here are some of the more common problems you need to keep abreast of along with their solutions.
Breast Cyst
Nearly every woman will have cysts in their breasts at least once in their lifetime. These are very small and result due to hormonal changes in the breast. Full of fluid, the size of the cyst can vary from a small pinhead to a golf ball. Breast cysts are primarily common in menopausal women.
What To Do: As quickly as they develop, breast cyst can also eventually disappear by themselves, though this may take months or years. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure. If you are adamant about removing the cyst/s, your doctor can conduct a minor surgery to remove their contents.
Watch Out: Though mostly harmless, some breast cysts can develop pre-cancerous changes. This is best diagnosed by an ultrasound scan.
Breast Pain
A common symptom also known as mastalgia. Most women naturally have some degree of pain, especially a few days prior to a menstrual period when the breast tissue is very sensitive. Prior to your menstrual cycle, your body will go through hormonal changes, resulting in breast pain. When this happens, it is common for you to feel soreness or an aching, particularly along the side of your breast, and sometimes up into the armpits. Tender to touch, the breast can become painful to embrace as well.
What To Do: Wear comfortable bras during this period that still give you the necessary support. Whenever possible, try to go without a bra, especially when sleeping.
Watch Out: Breast pain can occur for a much longer time. When it becomes a persisting problem, it can disrupt your life. Speak to your doctor and find out if there is more to just the pain. At the same time, a small number of women have breast pain caused by the inflammation of the breasts' milk ducts. Described as a stabbing pain, this condition, known as periductal mastitis, should be examined by a doctor.
Nipple Discharge
Noticed some discharge around your nipple? Don't worry - a small amount of discharge is entirely normally, especially if you have been breast feeding. Also, if you squeeze your nipple firmly, you may notice a small amount of discharge that is produced naturally within the milk ducts.
What To Do: Most nipple discharge won't require any medical attention. However, do pay close attention to any abnormal discharge (colour, scent, evidence of blood) that could potentially be dangerous.
Watch Out: A sudden onset of discharge should be checked. Also, if you notice any blood staining due to your discharge, speak to your doctor immediately as this can be an association with breast cancer, though rare.
Nipple Inversion
Sometimes present from birth, nipple inversion happens when major milk ducts underneath the nipple pull the nipple inwards.
What To Do: If this is something you've experienced since young, there is nothing much you can do.
Watch Out: If your nipple has recently become inverted, it is time to pay heed. This can be a result of inflammation underneath the nipple and even breast cancer. Have your breast checked if this is the case.
Breast Infection
Occurring especially during breastfeeding, breast infection is usually associated with pain within the breast, thickening and hardening of the tissue, and redness of the skin. For women who are not pregnant of breastfeeding, breast infection can appear in the form of a painful lump or redness. This is common especially in women who smoke.
What To Do: You will need to speak to your doctor for a prescription of antibiotics to cure the infection. In some cases, especially where pus is evident, you will require a small operation.
Watch Out: If your infection is a recurring event, it could be a long-term problem resulting in constant discharge at the edge of the nipple. Seek medical help immediately.
To all the ladies out there, please do the regular breast self-exams and annual clinical check-ups.
Remember: early detection saves lives.
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