Breast cancer strikes Asian women earlier
Published on: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Asian women (including Malaysians) tend to get breast cancer at an early age compared with their western counterparts, according to a study.Disclosing this, the State Health Department's Principal Assistant Director (Non-Communicable Diseases), Dr Nirmal Kaur said the prevalence of breast cancer among western women is at a later age whereas it is younger in Malaysian women."Our data shows that 60pc of the breast cancers are in premenopausal Malaysian women (aged 40-45) as opposed to western figures, where up to 80pc occur in postmenopausal Caucasian/Western women (above 50)," she said while attributing this difference to our diet and environmental factors. Genetics also will play a role, she added.ADVERTISEMENT Women were enlightened on the 10 most common cancers in female in Sabah in their order of precedence – breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoma, stomach cancer, leukaemia, thyroid cancer and skin cancer."In fact, breast cancer is the No. 1 killer cancer among Malaysian women in the country. Any person who has signs or symptoms suggestive of breast cancer needs appropriate evaluation, regardless of age."There is no age limit for mammography (special X-ray examination of the breasts for early detection). Even males with suspected breast cancer undergo mammogram," Dr Kaur said.Answering a question, the doctor said records show that the youngest patient was aged 24, and the best chance of cure for breast cancer is getting it treated at its earliest stage. "The key to finding breast cancer is early detection and the key to early detection is screening. Taking these steps will ensure almost 100pc cure."ADVERTISEMENT There are two types of risk factors for breast cancer – modifiable and non-modifiable, said Dr Kaur."High fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are modifiable risk factors in the sense that these are within our control. If we live a healthy lifestyle, take a healthy diet and don't consume alcohol or smoke, it will reduce the risk of getting breast cancer.
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"However, genetics is beyond our control and likewise, if breast cancer runs in the family. This is what we call non-modifiable risk factors which also include being female, aging, childlessness, early first period and late menopause," she explained. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Saying that obesity is also a risk factor for cancer, Dr Kaur provided statistics to indicate that Malaysia at 44.2pc has the highest incidence of obesity in Southeast Asia.On cervical cancer, she said an annual Pap Smear test is all it takes to prevent cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women. "Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. Three of the risk factors are intercourse before age 18, having multiple sex partners and cigarette smoking," she cautioned.