Empower Yourself: The Fight Against Breast Cancer Begins With Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and support those affected by one of the most prevalent cancers impacting women globally. In Jamaica, it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, underscoring the urgent need for widespread education, early detection and debunking of harmful myths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, resulting in 670,000 deaths. While 99% of breast cancer cases affect females, males account for 0.5 to 1% of cases. The 2022 Global Cancer Observatory Report highlights a worrying rise in breast cancer cases locally, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced early detection and treatment. According to the data, 1,208 new breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020, a significant increase from 974 cases in 2018. 

These numbers reflect a concerning trend – many of these cases are diagnosed at late stages, making treatment more difficult and survival rates lower. The reasons for late-stage diagnoses in Jamaica are complex, ranging from limited access to healthcare in rural areas to cultural and socioeconomic factors that contribute to fear or hesitation in seeking medical advice. However, one key to addressing this issue is early detection through regular screening and self-examinations.

According to the Jamaica Cancer Society, all women are at risk of breast cancer, and this risk increases when you:

• Are over age 50
• Have a family history of breast cancer
• Have your first child after age 30
• Have never had children
• Are obese (weigh 40% more than your ideal body weight)

Nevertheless, 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).   

What are some of the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer?

• A painless lump or mass in the breast or armpit
• Thickening in or near the breast
• A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
• Irritation or dimpling of the skin on the breast or nipple
• Redness or flaky skin on the breast or nipple
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away

These changes may be found when performing monthly breast self-exams, which can help you to become familiar with your breasts and identify any unusual changes.

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The Importance of Screening and Self-Examinations

Early detection of breast cancer greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. In fact, when detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer can exceed 90%. This is why routine screening and self-examinations are critical.

• Mammograms: Women aged 40 and older are encouraged to get mammograms annually or as recommended by their healthcare provider. Mammograms can detect tumours that are too small to be felt, which is crucial in catching cancer in its earliest stages.
• Clinical Breast Exams: These are usually performed by a healthcare professional during routine check-ups and are another effective tool in detecting changes or lumps in breast tissue.
• Self-Examinations: Though self-examinations are no longer the sole recommendation for detection, they remain important for body awareness. Women of all ages are encouraged to perform monthly self-examinations to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts so that they can detect any unusual changes early. Any new lumps, pain, or changes in size or shape should be reported to a doctor.

Common Myths about Breast Cancer

Despite increased awareness, myths about breast cancer continue to circulate, potentially leading to confusion and inaction. Let's debunk some of the most common myths:

• Myth 1: Only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk. some text
  • Fact: While having a family history does increase the risk, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Other factors, such as age, lifestyle, and hormonal factors, can also increase risk.
• Myth 2: Men cannot get breast cancer. some text
  • Fact: Although it is far less common, men can develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of cases, but men should still be aware of the risk and report any changes in breast tissue to their doctor.
• Myth 3: Wearing a bra, particularly underwire bras, can cause breast cancer. some text
  • Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that wearing a bra of any type increases the risk of breast cancer. This is a persistent myth, but research has debunked this claim.
• Myth 4: Breast cancer always presents as a lump. some text
  • Fact: While lumps are a common symptom, breast cancer can manifest in many ways, such as changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture. This is why regular screenings are important – they can catch the disease before symptoms become noticeable.

While there is no sure way to completely prevent breast cancer, women can reduce the risk by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol and getting regular screenings.

Deans Pharmacy stands in solidarity with the brave individuals fighting this disease, remembering those we have lost and celebrating the courage of survivors. We encourage women across the island to take charge of their health by scheduling mammograms, performing self-examinations and spreading awareness about the importance of early detection.

The Jamaica Cancer Society provides comprehensive support to individuals facing breast cancer, ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of this disease alone.

They can be contacted at:

Address: 16 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5,

Phone: (876)927-4265, (876)927-8152, (876)927-3317, (876)927-9275

Email: jamaica.cancersociety@gmail.com

Website:  www.jcs.live