#pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness

milkchocolate2579
Oct 18, 2021
3 min read

Yes, for ALL

1 in 19 women is at risk of getting breast cancer in Malaysia. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Malaysia. It is the number ONE cancer killer of women in Malaysia.

According to the National Cancer Registry, breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men. Men are at risk of breast cancer, although the chances are extremely low. However, the mortality rate of breast cancer in men is higher due to a lack of awareness.

Early Detection Save Life!

Awareness is power. Prevention is better than cure. Knowledge is power. This is a reminder to protect yourself so you can protect others.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It is held every October to

educate the importance of early screening
raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer
support breast cancer warriors
appreciate those who continue to help fight this disease
raising funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure

The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. #pinktober is the hashtag for breast cancer awareness month.

Your Responsibility

Examine with normal monthly changes in your breasts starting from age 20
Have an annual clinical breast exam by your doctor.
Have an annual mammogram done if you are above 40 years of age

Breasts come in all shapes & sizes

Unequal breast size is normal, darker nipples are normal, nipple hair is normal.

Knowing what is your normal is important.

The monthly period, pregnancy, age and weight changes can change the shape, size and feel of your breast. Most changes and lumps are harmless but some can be an early sign of cancer.

By doing BREAST SELF EXAMINATION once a month you become familiar with the usual look & feel of your own breasts. You can then recognize any changes. Feel and look for any unusual changes of skin and nipple in shape, size, outline, colour, texture, nipple discharge, bleeding.

If something doesn't feel right, check with a doctor or seek help from a local support group (provided behind).

Breast Self Examination

Breast Self Examination is for Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Aunts, Cousins, Friends, and the Men in your life.

When to do examination

Examine your breasts regularly
Once a month is enough
7-10 days from the first day of your period
If you are no longer menstruating or irregular menstruation, choose the same day every month, ie. first day of the month
Also during pregnancy

look yourself in the mirror/shower

arm relaxed at the sides
hands on hips
arms raised above head
bending forward

lie down

lie down flat on your back
put a pillow under RIGHT shoulder
RIGHT hand behind your head
use LEFT hand to examine RIGHT breast
repeat for LEFT breast

Seek medical help if you notice:

unusual change in the size or shape of the breast and nipple
pain in the breast
alteration in nipple position
turning in of the nipple
dimpling/puckering of the skin
unusual rash/colour on breast or skin
unusual discharge from the nipple (other than breastmilk, ie. bleeding)
unusual lump or nodule on ANY part of the breast or underarm

Causes of breast cancer

Family history of breast cancer
Not breastfeeding (breast cancer can be avoided by breastfeeding for at least 6 months)
Early onset of menses and delayed menopause
Obesity
Smoking
Alcohol
Long term and continuous hormone therapy
Past history of breast surgeries

Breast Cancer Facts

It is curable if detected early.

Tight-fitting or underwire bra and fondling the breasts does not cause breast cancer.

It neither infectious nor contagious.

Breast Conservation Surgery and Radiation therapy is as safe as complete breast removal or mastectomy.

Every breast lump needs to be investigated but not all breast lumps are cancerous. If you FIND any unusual change in your breast, see the doctor. See the doctor or nurse even when the breast lump is NOT PAINFUL.

Men can get breast cancer. 1% of Breast cancer patients are men. The incidence rate is gradually increasing. Due to lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, the mortality of breast cancer is higher amongst men.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump in the breast or axilla, however it is not the only symptom. Other symptoms such as nipple deviation, retraction, ulceration or discharge from the nipple with or without a lump, change in the shape or feel of the breast, skin thickening, ulceration and at times orange peel like appearance of the skin of the breast.

Breast cancer is NOT JUST an old woman’s or man’s disease. Breast cancer in young patients has comparatively aggressive clinical as compared to the older patients.