There has been increased discussion about breast cancer recently. The rising severity of the disease and the fear it’s causing among women are the main reasons behind this.
Among non-communicable diseases, cancer holds a significant position, and breast cancer is the most common type among women worldwide and in Sri Lanka.
Shockingly, nearly 1000 women in Sri Lanka lose their lives to breast cancer. However, it’s important to note that breast cancer is entirely treatable if detected at an early stage.
Is breast cancer only a concern for women?
While many believe that breast cancer only affects women, doctors state that it can also impact men. It is the most common cancer among women.
According to the 2021 data from the National Cancer Control Program of Sri Lanka, 5,485 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka, while 124 men were also affected by the disease.
How do you diagnose the disease?
A breast lump, a change in shape or size, a change in skin colour, and redness around the breast are indicators of potential disease.
Thickening of the skin and breast pain are also vital symptoms. It’s essential to seek medical attention if there is a condition such as pitting in the breast or any changes in the nipples.
Swollen or abnormal discharge from the nipples and lumps in the armpits can also be primary symptoms of breast cancer.
Being a woman is risky
Experts who comment on breast cancer emphasise that women are at a higher risk because the risk of breast cancer in women is 100 times higher than in men.
Women over 50 face a higher risk, while those under 50 are also at some risk. In Sri Lanka, it seems that the majority of women over 50 are affected by the disease.
It is acknowledged in Sri Lanka that if any family member is affected by breast cancer, there is a particular risk for the rest of the family.
The National Cancer Control Program highlights that if a member from either the mother’s or father’s side has the disease, there is a high chance that it may be passed on to someone else. The women in such families must take special care in disease prevention.
In addition to family history, factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and long-term use of hormone therapy are also risk factors for breast cancer.
The National Cancer Control Program points out that childless women and women who have not had children before the age of 30 are also at risk.
However, medical experts stress that it is impossible to determine precisely what causes someone to develop breast cancer.
Breast self-examination
It is essential for every woman over 20 years old to perform a breast self-examination once a month. This can be done in several steps.
First, observe the breasts with the naked eye to identify any changes. Then, use your hands to feel for any differences. This can be done quickly in front of a mirror.
You can get information about breast self-examination from a family health worker in Sri Lanka or by visiting the National Cancer Control Program website, which provides information in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
Performing a self-breast examination once a month is sufficient. This practice helps individuals understand the routine nature of their breasts. If any changes are detected, seeking medical treatment is advised.
Suvanari Clinic
The National Cancer Control Program of Sri Lanka emphasises the importance of participating in health clinics conducted by medical officers of health at the age of 35-40.
Clinical breast examinations for women are a fundamental part of these clinics, allowing for early identification of potential risk factors.
The program advises women aged 20-40 to attend these clinics at least once every three years for testing and annually once they reach the age of 40.
Furthermore, the “Suva Divi Sayana” program has been initiated in every hospital, with specialised detection centres established in Narahenpita, Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, Jaffna, and Batticaloa as early cancer detection centres.
These centres are operational every working day of the week. The National Cancer Control Program has allowed individuals to undergo breast cancer testing, and all services are free at government clinics.
Superstitions and barriers to prevention
Meanwhile, an important point highlighted by Sri Lanka’s National Cancer Control Program is that, in some cases, individual ideologies and beliefs can hinder disease prevention efforts.
The program advises against following the advice of non-medical sources and instead recommends relying on medical treatments in case of any risk.
The tendency to follow personal ideologies, beliefs, and alternative methods in treating certain diseases is prevalent in Sri Lankan society.
It’s crucial to understand that these approaches are not scientifically proven solutions, and it has been observed that many individuals who adhere to such beliefs seek medical treatment only after the disease has worsened.
Therefore, the National Cancer Control Program emphasises the importance of seeking scientific solutions for effective breast cancer treatment. It’s evident that breast cancer is not necessarily fatal, and early detection can lead to full recovery.
It’s essential not to fear the situation and to seek proper treatment without delay. Seeking treatment promptly is crucial and should be heeded.
