Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, cancer affects and kills millions of people worldwide. Cancer comes in many forms and can happen to anyone. Today breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and overall the second most common cancer in the world (World Cancer Research Fund, 2019).

Although breast cancer mortality rates are extremely high in developed countries, the World Health Organization reports that almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries (Breast Cancer Prevention and Control, WHO, 2019). In the case of the latter, most cases prove fatal as women fail to detect the disease early on.

What is Breast Cancer

“Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast” (National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2019). It can also be said that breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells (Breastcancer.org, 2019).

In 2012, 1.7 million new cases of breast cancer were detected. alone It is reported that in 2018, there were over 2 million new cases of breast cancer reported. The number of persons affected by breast cancer is increasing year after year and decade after decade seriously affecting and killing millions of women worldwide. Like any other form of cancer, when detected early, it can be treated successfully.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WRCF) sheds light on some facts about breast cancer:

Nearly 1.7 million new breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2012.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and men worldwide.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in 140 of 184 countries worldwide.
Globally, breast cancer now represents one in four of all cancers in women.
Since 2008, worldwide breast cancer incidence has increased by more than 20 per cent. Mortality has increased by 14 per cent.

Causes of Breast Cancer

According to Breast Cancer Now the following are the causes and risk factors of breast cancer:

Alcohol consumption
Smoking
A family history of breast cancer
Increased use of combined contraceptive pills (once you stop, the risk disappears over time)
Age groups 50 and above are at the risk of breast cancer
Hormonal replacement therapy
Being overweight and obesity

A Brief History of Breast Cancer, Different Treatments and Myths

Breast cancer is not a modern disease. On the contrary, breast cancer has been affecting women for several millennia. The oldest case of breast cancer, historical research states, was recorded in Egypt according to the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, dating back to 3,000–2,500 B.C. ^[1]

The Ancient Greeks believed that breast cancer occurred due to the presence of certain bodily fluids like black bile. In the ancient past, there were many myths regarding this disease and therefore the treatments of breast cancer have varied over the ages.

Ancient treatments included offering prayers to Gods, use of herbal oils and chemicals, balms and salves and even cauterization among others (The Maurer Foundation, 2019).

According to the Maurer Foundation in the 18th and 19th centuries, the causes of breast cancer were perceived to be as follows:

physical injury to the breast
viral contagion
blockages of the lymph glands
repressed or over-indulged sexual urges
curdled milk left in the ducts
compression from tight clothing

Although with time and advancement in science, most of these myths were busted, their influence still continues to alter people’s perception of the causes of breast cancer. Especially the “bra myth” or the belief that breast cancer is caused if women wear tight clothing or undergarments like a bra.

In the 1900s, the discovery of DNA gave way to the understanding of the role of genetics in breast cancer. This further developed into the practice of modern surgery to treat breast cancer i.e. mastectomy or complete removal of the infected breast. In the 21st century, along with mastectomy, more emphasis is laid on breast-conserving therapy (BCT) which entails the removal of the cancerous nodes or lump from the breast as opposed to the full removal of the breast. A lumpectomy is most effective in early-stage breast cancer and decreases the chances of cancer recurrence. ^[2]

A breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy “is generally followed by moderate-dose radiation therapy (RT) to eradicate any microscopic residual disease.^[3]

The discovery of DNA and cancerous cells giving rise to breast cancer, and modern research has busted certain myths surrounding breast cancer. In addition to a tight bra being harmless, wearing an underwire bra, or spraying deodorant on your body, underarms and the chest does not cause breast cancer.

Prevention of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can best be prevented by eating healthy, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding smoking. Basically, living a healthy lifestyle overall is the key to preventing breast cancer as these are the factors in our control.

Ageing or family history of breast cancer is beyond our control. In this case, early preventive methods become crucial.

Early detection and regular screenings or mammography or even a do-it-yourself breast examination as part of one’s regular health check-up are highly recommended. If a lump is felt under the arm or around the breast area, a doctor must be consulted right away.