This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TURI OMOLLO finds out what it’s all about

Betty, an administrative manager for a leading bank, goes about her day with an admirable charm and professional charisma. She always seems to have a surge of energy and zest for life.

Today, she is exceptionally exuberant and the pink ribbon pinned neatly on her bosom has everything to do with it. Today is the third anniversary since she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Three years ago, Betty discovered a small lump in her left breast. Although it was not painful and hardly even noticeable unless touched, she had the good sense to visit the doctor for examination.

Her quick decision to see a doctor may have been life saving and probably the reason for her survival. Because unlike her, many die due to delayed diagnosis and therefore delayed treatment.

Pink October
The month of October is internationally recognised as the Breast Cancer Awareness month and is symbolised by the pink ribbon. 

A whole month devoted to raising awareness and funds to help fight breast cancer. Although women run a higher risk, men can also get breast cancer, but at a much lower occurrence.  In Kenya for example, 1 per cent of the diagnosed breast cancer cases are men.

Breast cancer in Africa
Breast Cancer is curable if detected early.  However, many factors militate against early detection and treatment of the disease.

Cultural beliefs among some African communities stigmatise breast cancer thus preventing some women from seeking treatment.

In addition to this, because the breasts are largely regarded as a part of a woman’s sexuality, the potential loss of this part of the anatomy through a mastectomy can cause anxiety and have far reaching social implications, including marital. 

This situation is further worsened by the lack of proper facilities for the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer.  And even if these facilities exist, they are usually beyond the financial reach of majority of those who need it most.

Due to late diagnosis, majority of the patients present with stage 3 and 4 of the disease. These are the highest two levels.

This leads many to believe that a diagnosis of breast cancer is a death sentence as many are diagnosed when it has already spread through out their body, and when the cost of treatment is high and chances of survival limited. This therefore reinforces the mistaken belief that breast cancer is incurable.

Risk factors
There are various risk factors that would lead to higher probability of getting the disease.

A woman’s exposure to the hormone oestrogen influences her risk of developing breast cancer.

Oestrogen is the female hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. A woman’s lifetime exposure to oestrogen influences the risk of developing breast cancer.

Having a first period before age 12 and entering into menopause at or after 55 increases a woman’s exposure to oestrogen and increases her risk.

An increase of this hormone in the blood, after menopause for example increases one’s risk.  Not having children or having one’s first pregnancy after the age of 30 also increases the risk of getting sick.

There are other risk factors associated with a history of breast cancer within one’s family. A family history of breast cancer from either the father’s or mother’s side may increase the risk. 

However, there are other factors that may contribute to this risk such as the age of the relative when they got breast cancer and whether the relative was on the mother’s or father’s side.

The more immediate the family member is, the higher the risk of getting the disease.

Other risk factors are also associated with genetics. One may inherit faulty genes that make them more likely to contract breast cancer. 

The most common genetic risk factors are a mutation in the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes.  It is however important to remember that only 5 per cent to 10 per cent of all breast cancers are purely genetic and researchers are still learning more about how genes influence breast cancer
Some risk factors have also been associated with lifestyles.

Breastfeeding for a year or more for example seems to provide some protection against breast cancer.  Studies also show that being overweight or gaining weight after menopause increases risk.

Although the risk is greatest for postmenopausal women, women who gain weight at or before menopause tend to retain the increased weight after they enter menopause.

Studies also show that exercising, limited intake of alcohol and smoking especially among women and low intake of animal fat in one’s diet can also reduce risk of breast cancer.

Betty is one of many women, and men, who have beaten all odds and enjoyed life even after a bout of cancer. She is one of many beautiful women who have maintained a positive attitude towards their inner and outward beauty, embraced life and appreciate every day. 

And as she wears her pink ribbon every day of this month, its serves not only as a reminder of her experience, but as a means of telling people why she wears it, thus raising awareness and hopefully, saving lives.

Ends