Pinktober Spotlight: Early Intervention, Hope, and Resilience in Breast Cancer

Pinktober Spotlight: Early Intervention, Hope, and Resilience in Breast Cancer

women with breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer is an ever-looming concern in Malaysia, where the potential risks often remain underestimated, and the urgency of regular screenings is not given the attention it deserves. Statistics reveal that one in 19 Malaysians is diagnosed with breast cancer annually1. There has been a significant increase in breast cancer awareness, but the reality is that many newly diagnosed women are already in the clutches of advanced stages2.

 

To pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for Malaysian women and men, Dr Christina Lai Nye Bing, Consultant Oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, explains some lesser-known aspects of the disease and provides her insights into the multifaceted realm of breast cancer.

 

 

Understanding the Risk Factors and Recent Trends

breast cancer patient

 

Like any cancer, breast cancer can strike anyone. Some factors, such as genetics, family history, hormonal factors, lifestyle, age, menstrual cycle and menopause, increase susceptibility. However, men can also get breast cancer, accounting for one percent of cases.

 

While some risk factors cannot be modified, some elements, like delaying childbirth or not having children, are within our control. Dr Lai adds, “This is why married women are often advised to consider starting a family earlier, especially as modern careers often lead to delayed family planning.

 

“Also, locally, we see 50% of women being diagnosed under fifty in Malaysiai. Therefore, even young women should start paying attention to this condition. As oncologists, we still grapple with patients who are misinformed or delay medical attention.”

 

Dr Lai recalls the frustration when patients wait until a lump in their breast becomes painful and larger before seeking medical consultation when early treatment would offer much better outcomes. She shares, “This was when a patient waited eight months before coming in about her breast lump. By the time she came, the lump had grown to five centimetres, and cancer had spread to her spine, placing her in stage four breast cancer. This situation is sadly common, leaving us with the million-dollar question: What if she had sought care earlier?”

 

 

Detection as Early as Stage 0 Is Key to Improving Treatment Outcomes

Male patient having consultation with doctor or psychiatrist who

 

Early detection is the cornerstone for improving breast cancer treatment outcomes. Regular health screenings, including mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-examinations, help detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. The survival rate of individuals in the early stages is significantly higher compared to locally advanced (Stage 3) or metastatic (Stage 4) breast cancer3. Mammograms, typically recommended annually for women aged 40 and above, can detect precancerous breast calcifications, visible as white spots on X-ray images, indicating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also known as stage 0 breast cancer. While DCIS is often benign, it accounts for 20% of all newly diagnosed breast cancers4.

 

“People often avoid mammograms because of the discomfort. Nevertheless, breast cancer screening is a vital health inspection. If the process seems daunting, consider bringing a friend for moral support. Diagnostic technologies, such as 3D mammography, have improved early detection, even in patients with dense breast tissue. However, the most critical step starts at home, with you conducting regular self-examinations of your breasts because you are most attuned to your body,” shares Dr Lai.

 

Dr Lai also encourages everyone – both women and men to initiate self-examinations to identify any abnormalities as early as 20 years old once a month, adding, “If you feel a lump in your breast, it is vital not to panic since only 10 to 20 percent of lumps turn out to be cancerous, but for women, do not do it just before menses as breasts tend to swell5”.

 

 

The Field of Oncology Has Witnessed Remarkable Progress in Recent Years

hope in breast cancer

 

The latest advancements in screening and oncology offer new hope for women facing breast cancer. Dr Lai emphasises that “Hormone status and genomic studies provide valuable insights, allowing oncologists to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique situation. This has led to targeted treatments that can significantly shrink or eliminate tumours. Patients today also experience fewer side effects, thanks to innovations like hair-preserving chemotherapy machines, oncoplastic surgery for breast reconstruction, and improved anti-vomiting drugs.”

 

While breast cancer remains a serious disease, early detection and evolving treatments offer hope. Dr. Lai encourages proactive steps: “Understanding your risk factors, committing to regular screening, and consulting your doctor can make a significant difference.”

 

 

Breast Cancer Remains a Serious Disease, But There is Every Reason to be Hopeful

Daughter touching mother's shoulder

 

In the past, a breast cancer diagnosis was often accompanied by fear and uncertainty, which meant facing disfiguring surgeries and debilitating treatments. Today, the outlook for women with breast cancer is much more positive. Treatment approaches are also less intrusive to patients’ lifestyles and daily life. Therefore, while breast cancer remains a serious disease, there is every reason to be hopeful, especially when detected early.

 

This Pinktober, let us remember that being proactive in understanding your risk factors and committing to regular screening and early detection can turn the tide against breast cancer. If you have any concerns about breast cancer, please consult your doctor. Your health screening centre can also recommend an appropriate package tailored to your risk factors.

 


1. Lee MS et al. Awareness on breast cancer screening in Malaysia: a cross sectional study. Biomedicine (Taipei). 2019 9(3):18. doi: 10.1051/bmdcn/2019090318.
2. Cheng Har Yip, Nur Aishah Mohd Taib and Ibraham Mohamed. Epidemiology of breast cancer in Malaysia. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2006 Jul-Sep;7(3):369-74. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17059323/.
3. Susan G. Komen. Understanding Breast Cancer Survival Rates. 2023. https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/facts-statistics/breast-cancer-statistics/survival-rates/.
4. Andrea V. Barrio and Kimberly J. Van Zee. Controversies in the Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. The Annual Review of Medicine. 2-17 (68): 197-211. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-med-050715-104920.
5. Perry MC. Breast Lump. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 170. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279/.