During October, along with the World Health Organization we are focusing on the global burden of breast cancer. In 2018 there were an estimated 2.1 million new cases and 627 000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide.
Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide and the incidence has been rising up due to increased urbanisation and adoption of Western lifestyles.
If breast cancer is detected early, there is a good chance that it can be cured.
Therefore early detection, awareness of early signs and symptoms and screening by clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound and mammography are crucial. Signs may be: breast lump or thickening; change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast; changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling; newly inverted nipple; nipple discharge; peeling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin; redness or pitting of the skin over the breast, like the skin of an orange.
Early diagnosis of cancer generally increases the chances for successful treatment by focusing on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer. Factors that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer include:
- Being female
- Increasing age (above 55 years is more common)
- Family history of breast cancer, inherited gene mutations
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Hormonal therapy (including contraceptive pills)
- Menstruation at early age and late menopause
- Having the first child over age 30 … among many others.
BREAST CANCER IS CURABLE IF DETECTED EARLY!!!
REASSURE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY WITH SCREENING!
Most important things to do:
- Do breast self-examination
- Do screening
- Avoid those risk factors you have control over
Dr. Biborka Bereczky M.D. Ph.D.
Specialist General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Specialist Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon
British Medical Council Specialist Register
Upper GI Endoscopist
MEDICLINIC DUBAI MALL
MEDICLINIC PARKVIEW HOSPITAL
The Dubai Mall, Fashion Parking, Level 7
PO Box 282890, Dubai, UAE
Landline: +97144495111
Mobile: +971-529855102
E-mail: Biborka.Bereczky@mediclinic.ae
