About Breast Cancer
What if the solution to fighting breast cancer lies in our collective efforts and understanding? With an estimated 2.3 million new cases globally each year, breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and the fifth greatest significant cause of cancer-related deaths.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, out of which 2.3 million were diagnosed in the same year; thus making breast cancer the most prevailing cancer in the last five years globally.
As per the Singapore Cancer Society, breast cancer has affected one in every thirteen women in Singapore.
Here are 6 essential facts you need to know
- Obesity and Breast Cancer
Research done by the Singapore Breast Cancer Screening Project (SBCSP) reported that 16.2% of obese individuals have breast cancer. According to the findings, if women maintained a healthy BMI and breast density, up to 45.9% of breast cancer cases may be avoided.
So how should we decrease the chance of getting it? It is clear that one's physical health is important to one's wellbeing. Keeping a healthy weight is an important component in breast cancer prevention.
- Consumption of processed food
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), highly processed meat is a Group 1 carcinogen that may raise the risk of both gastrointestinal and breast cancer. A 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption was found to be correlated with an 11% increased risk of breast cancer. These ultra-processed foods have obesogenic qualities and a lower nutritional value, as well as being contaminated with food additives and neoformed processing substances.
- Alcohol use leads to an increased risk of Breast Cancer
Drinking even small to moderate amounts of alcohol raises breast cancer risk, with a 7% increase for every extra 10 grams consumed daily. This risk isn’t affected by the type of drink and applies to women of all ages. Insufficient intake of nutrients such as folate, beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C, available in fruits, vegetables, and dietary supplements, can exacerbate the influence of alcohol on breast cancer risk5.
- Gender and Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can happen to anybody, regardless of gender. The National Breast Cancer Foundation predicted that there would be approximately 2800 new cases of male breast cancer this year, with 530 fatalities. Furthermore, males have a 25% higher mortality rate than females, often due to lack of awareness and a lower tendency to recognize breast cancer symptoms, resulting in treatment delays.6 As a result, it is critical to acknowledge that breast cancer can affect people of both genders.
- Survival rate
Are you aware that according to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is found early and at a site-specific stage, the likelihood of surviving for another 5 years rate is a shocking 99%! This statistic emphasizes the importance of early screening.
- Family history
Although genetic predisposition will increase the risk of getting breast cancer and the interval of repeat mammograms, about 80% to 85% of diagnosed breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history of the disease. Since only a small portion of 15% to 20% of diagnosed breast cancer patients are accounted as a result of genetic susceptibility, this means that the majority are unable to determine their risk level of getting the same condition.
Furthermore, more than 34 million women aged 46 to 74 years old reported to have no family history of breast cancer in America. Therefore it's extremely important for people to go for mammogram screenings at least at age 40 especially if they have no known family history of breast cancer.
In Summary
Breast cancer can affect both genders at any age after puberty in every country around the world, with rising incidence in later life. Start early prevention and go for regular mammogram screening as early as you can. For more information, check out the Breast Cancer Foundation Singapore website at: https://www.bcf.org.sg/. Join us and support the fight against breast cancer!
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