Samaher Saif Al-Yazal
The month of October is a global occasion to raise awareness of breast cancer and break down cultural barriers
Benign tumors represent 80% of breast tumors and require follow-up more than surgery
A mammogram detects tumors that cannot be felt by the hand and greatly increases the chances of survival
Mammography screening is safe and necessary for early prevention
Proper nutrition, exercise and breastfeeding reduce the chances of contracting the disease
Medical advances and targeted treatments increase cure rates upon early diagnosis
Breast cancer is not an inevitable fate…and early screening saves lives
Family and community medicine consultant and member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Health Society, Dr. Zahra Khalifa, said that breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women around the world, noting that it does not only affect women, but may appear in a small percentage in men as well.
She added that World Health Organization statistics recorded about 2.3 million new cases among women in 2022, with about 670,000 deaths globally, stressing that breast cancer is responsible for approximately 40% of all cancer cases in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is considered the second most common type of cancer among women globally.
She continued that the seriousness of the disease does not mean that recovery is impossible, explaining that early detection greatly increases the chances of survival, as the recovery rate in the early stages may reach more than 90% thanks to medical progress and modern research. She pointed out that the world designates the month of October every year as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the aim of spreading knowledge about methods of prevention and the importance of early examination and support for patients and their families, stressing that correct information may save a life, especially in the Gulf countries that enjoy an advanced health infrastructure and available examinations, but the greatest challenge lies in breaking cultural barriers.
She explained that benign fibrous tumors form naturally with puberty between the ages of 9 and 13 years and often maintain their size, while some of them may grow with age, pointing out that they represent 80% of breast tumors in women. She explained that these tumors do not usually require surgical intervention, but rather periodic follow-up, stressing that most cancerous tumors are discovered by chance and do not cause pain, which makes periodic examinations necessary for men and women alike. She emphasized that there are several factors that increase the probability of developing breast cancer, including advanced age, a family history of the disease, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol, environmental pollution, in addition to delayed pregnancy or lack of childbearing, and long-term hormonal treatment. But she stressed that early screening remains the most important key, as people without any risk factors can be infected.
She pointed out that examinations for breast cancer include monthly self-examination from the age of twenty, and a clinical examination with a doctor or nurse every two or three years from the age of 20 to 39, and then annually after forty, in addition to radiography (mammogram), which is the most important means of early detection and is recommended to be performed every year or two starting from the age of forty or earlier when there are risk factors.
She pointed out that the mammogram is capable of detecting very small tumors that cannot be felt, which allows them to be treated in the early stages, stressing that this explains the high rates of recovery when regular examinations are adhered to. She responded to concerns about the radiological examination by saying that it is very safe, the dose of radiation used is very low, and it causes only minor discomfort when pressing on the breast, which goes away immediately after the examination.
She stated that studies have shown that preventive measures contribute to reducing the incidence of breast cancer, such as following a healthy diet, exercising, maintaining an appropriate weight, stopping smoking and alcohol, in addition to the importance of breastfeeding when possible. She also stressed the need to adhere to regular examination and see a doctor as soon as you notice any abnormal changes.
She pointed out that breast cancer is not an inevitable fate, stressing that medical progress has provided high cure rates upon early diagnosis through conservative surgery, targeted radiotherapy, hormonal and immunological treatments, and modern medications, especially targeted therapies.
She concluded by saying that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to spread positive messages and extend a helping hand, stressing that early detection means longer life and better quality, and stressing that early screening saves lives.
