Recently I heard the devastating news that a close family friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer
They’d only just found it but had to remove the breast straight away. I’d seen her about a month ago and then, all of sudden she was in hospital bearing the scars of one of nation’s greatest killers. It hit home that breast cancer can strike anytime, anywhere and that no one is safe.
Latest figures suggest that every day in New Zealand six women are diagnosed with breast cancer and that around 600 women - that’s 600 mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties, grandmas, best friends - die from the disease each and every year.
Most people know someone who has been touched by breast cancer and one in ten of us nzgirls will be affected by some form of breast cancer in our lives!
Of the approximately 2300 cases diagnosed each year, one third of these will be in women under 50 and, startlingly, at least one will be in a teenager. Sobering thoughts indeed - but thoughts which instead of instilling fear should inspire action and awareness.
What is breast cancer? ww.cancer.org defines breast cancer as “a malignant tumor that has developed from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body”.
Our breasts are made up of lobules (the milk glands), ducts (connecting the lobules and nipples) and stroma (the fatty tissue) and most cancers occur usually in ducts and lobules. There are four different types of lumps that can be found in breasts - fibroadenomas, cysts and psuedolumps which are usually benign. These lumps are generally associated with your period beginning and an increase in tenderness and possible swelling.
The fourth type of lump is a malignant lump- and these account for one in twelve in pre-menopausal women. After forming in the ducts and lobules, the more invasive forms of cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body- in the space of months through to years.
What can you do? Be Aware of the Risks
Considering over 90% of breast cancer patients are women - yeah, men can get it as well - the very fact that you’re an nzgirl puts you at a higher risk!
As well as being a member of the fairer sex, there are also other factors that can increase your risk of the disease including genetic, hormonal and external factors.
Previous family disposition to cancer is also a signal of increased risk, so be aware of family history.
There may also be increased risks associated with women who…
Don’t have children, have used oral contraceptives, started menstruating from an early age (12 years), have had HRT, drink excessively, smoke or obtain little or no exercise.
Self Exam Click here to get the low down on looking after your breasts.
Clinical exams and Mammograms
This is where your doctor, a trained professional in spotting those lumps and bumps, performs a clinical exam. Younger women - 20-30 years - should incorporate the breast exam as part of a general checkup about once every three years, with the frequency increasing as you get older.
Remember though that all of these methods are not infallible - even Mammograms which are the best way of detecting abnormalities have a 10% failure rate due to the nasty cancers that don’t form lumps.
If you’re not sure get it checked out if something feels abnormal or ask for a second opinion. Listen to your body, trust your instincts and don’t stick your head in the sand EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!!!
For more information check out the Breast Cancer Research Trust or you can support the trust by buying a special pendant from the Walker & Hall. The pendant, designed to look like a stylised breast shield, is made of sterling silver, with a sapphire in the centre and retails for $95.
Tee
Last updated: 30/04/2008
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Recently I heard the devastating news that a close family friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer
The fourth type of lump is a malignant lump- and these account for one in twelve in pre-menopausal women. After forming in the ducts and lobules, the more invasive forms of cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body- in the space of months through to years.
If you’re not sure get it checked out if something feels abnormal or ask for a second opinion. Listen to your body, trust your instincts and don’t stick your head in the sand EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!!!