Breast cancer: what and what not 05-10-16

	NORDIS WEEKLY October 16, 2005
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Breast cancer: what and what not
By MYRA CHRISTINE CARAGAN-CAGUIOA October is breast cancer awareness month. Sad to say, this is always taken for granted. A lot of women and men do not give importance to their breast health - either they ignore it, they refused to have it checked because the doctor might find something wrong or they do not have the means of going to a doctor for a check-up. Thus, it is when terrible pain comes in that they seek medical help, only to find out that it is too late. These circumstances had made breast cancer the leading cause of death of Filipino women in the recent years. According to the Philippine Cancer Society 14,000 new cases that will be diagnosed this year, about 6,000 will die from it. The causes and treatment of cancer have always been misunderstood. People usually rely on what others have to say depending on what they have heard. The misconception is partly because of the lack of education on health matters and the limited access of basic health services, which the government should prioritize. Although there is a monthly awareness campaign for a specific illness, the government is still not reaching out to majority of the basic masses. Recently I was alarmed by my daughter’s experience in school. One of her classmates thought cancer is contagious. She corrected her right away. Then one of her teachers informed the class that breastfeeding causes breast cancer. My daughter, having a mother with breast cancer, was fully aware that this isn’t so, and she corrected the statement only to her classmates when the teacher was already gone. She finds her teacher’s “ignorance” funny; I find both “misinformations” alarming. Misinformation can keep someone from recognizing and minimizing the risk of breast cancer and other diseases. This article is my contribution to the breast cancer awareness campaign. I am not a medical doctor. As I have mentioned earlier, I have breast cancer stage IIB and I have been waging a war against it for the last three years. The following myths and facts are taken from various reliable sources – books, magazines, pamphlets, websites of reliable cancer support groups and organizations, cancer survivors I personally met and from my sharing and discussions with my own oncologist. Myth #1: Breastfeeding/Non-breastfeeding causes breast cancer Fact: Both are NOT causes of breast cancer. Studies reveal though, that breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% for each year that a woman breastfeeds. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the menstrual cycle is suppressed which means there is less exposure to estrogen. Estrogen, a hormone that stimulates the cell division, contributes in the uncontrollable multiplication of abnormal breast cells. Hence, suppressing the production of estrogen lowers the risk of breast cancer. Logically, non-breastfeeding increases the risk of breast cancer. Birth and lactation also increases the level of oxytocin in a woman’s body. According to some studies, oxytocin is a hormone that prevents breast cancer. I breastfed my four kids, each for 1-2 years. Nevertheless, I still got breast cancer. This shows that although breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, one can still have it because there are other risk factors to consider. Myth #2: Cancer is contagious Fact: Breast cancer is not a communicable disease. It is not passed on through human excretions nor spread in the air. But it can be inherited because of the presence of DNA-mutated BRCA genes, the tumor suppressor genes. When BRCA (BRCA1 and BRCA2) genes are mutated, they lose their function of controlling the growth of abnormal cells, thereby increasing the risk of developing cancer. The other risk factors of breast cancer include: age, family history, menstruation beginning at an early age, menstruation continuing past the age 50, having a first child after age 30, high fat diets, long term replacement therapy. Myth #3: Only women get breast cancer Fact: It may be in small number but men die too from breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 1,450 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men each year, and approximately 470 men die from breast cancer annually. Only in the USA? No. According to my oncologist, Dr. Felina Masadao-Adefuin, she has two male patients with breast cancer. Surely there are more. However, male patients do not talk openly about it. In general, men refused to submit themselves for breast check-up and deliberately eliminate the possibility of having breast cancer. The absence of mammary glands in men is not an assurance that they cannot have breast cancer. Myth #4: Breast cancer only affects older women Fact: While it is true that the risk of breast cancer increases as we grow old, breast cancer strikes at any age. I just turned 34 years old when I was diagnosed in 2002 and thought I was the youngest patient. Later, I learned there are a lot of patients younger than I was. In a research done by the American Cancer Society, from birth to age 39, one woman in 231 will get breast cancer; from age 40-59, the chance is 1 in 25, from age 60-79, the chance is 1 in 15. Myth #5: If breast cancer doesn’t run in the family, you won’t get it Fact: About 80% of women who get breast cancer have no family history of cancer. However, someone with a family history increases the risk of cancer due to the presence of mutated genes (discussed in myth #2). It is best to look into your family’s history of diseases and openly discuss these with your doctor. Remember that what you don’t know can actually hurt you. Myth #6: Herbal medicines can cure breast cancer Fact: Cancer is not curable. But it is highly treatable especially in its early stages. The use of herbal medicines can help boost the immune system, cleanse the body and regulate blood flow. At present, some doctors are already incorporating herbal/ alternative medicines in the regimen of their patients but only after reading the literature of the herbal/alternative medicine. This is because some of the components of alternative medicines and herbal supplements may interfere in the proper absorption of other medicines. It can also complicate and may reduce the potency of medicines essential for the treatment of breast cancer and other diseases for that matter. It is therefore necessary to discuss with your doctor whatever medicines and supplements you are taking for any illness, just to be sure you get the most benefits out of what you are taking. I, myself, am taking food supplements that are herbal in nature to keep my immune system stronger. But I made sure that my oncologist had read the label/brochure and had her approval. Myth #7: Stress has nothing to do with cancer Fact: In some websites, it is claimed that stress is not related with cancer. However, in the study made by the US-based Wellness Community (a support group for cancer patients), unpleasant emotions called “stress” which weakens the immune system. Researches believe that stress may cause immune system to release hormone that alters the function of the disease-fighting immune system. In this case, it can no longer control the production of abnormal cells until these cells take control of the normal functions of body organs. Thus cancer sets in. On the other hand, pleasant emotions strengthen our immune system. When we experience happy thoughts like love, joy and laughter, there is an increase in the level of oxytocin (also responsible for general sense of happiness) in our body, thereby helping in the prevention of breast cancer. We all experience stresses in our daily lives. We just have to learn how to control stress by minimizing the intensity and duration of the unpleasant feeling- anger, anxiety, hurt, pain, envy, etc. Meanwhile we should attempt to maximize the duration and intensity of the pleasant emotions. Myth #8: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer Fact: Since the late 1990s, it has been inaccurately circulated through the internet that the use of antiperspirant is the leading cause of cancer. It is claimed that since antiperspirants work to stop underarm perspiration, certain toxins are trapped in the body and are deposited in the lymph nodes below the arms. This leads to the development of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, all of these are not true. First, there are no toxins to purge in the armpits. Sweat is made up of 99.9% water and only 1% of the sweat glands are located in the armpits. Perspiration is noticeable in this area because sweat is more difficult to evaporate from this area. Myth #9: A monthly breast self-exam (BSE) is the best way to diagnose breast cancer Fact: Mammography (high quality x-ray for the breast) is the best way to find breast cancer in its earliest stage. Breast self-exam and clinical breast-exam (done by medical practitioners) are still very important. But only about 25% of breast cancers are found in BSE compared with 35% found in mammography alone. Forty percent found both by physical exam and mammography. Although mammography is expensive, the cost will outweigh the benefits. If only the test is more affordable, then more women will surely avail of it. In the meantime, check out laboratories/ hospitals that give free breast exam, and discounts in mammography during the whole month of October. I found mine through BSE, but it was only when the tumor reached the size of 4.8 cm that I felt it. This is because the tumor was almost attached to my ribs so I wasn’t able to feel it during monthly BSEs. If I had mammography then, I might have caught it in an earlier stage. Myth # 10: A breast cancer diagnosis means death. Fact: Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer with no metastasis (no cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes) live at least five years or even beyond. Even those with metastasis can live longer. Breast cancer is the most treatable type of cancer because of non-stop researches and clinical trials. Thus, cancer is not an automatic death sentence. What can one do to reduce the risk of breast cancer? The following are advised by doctors and breast health care teams: (1) Regular exercise 3-4 times a week; (2) Low calorie diets rich in fruits and vegetable; (3) Minimize alcohol consumption; (5) Stop smoking; (5) Lifestyle changes; (6) Get regular mammogram Do not wait for first signs or symptoms to come. As much as possible, have a regular mammogram. Remember, early detection saves lives. Best of all, have a healthy life! # Sources: Philippine Cancer Society; American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org); Breast Center Baylor College of Medicine (www.breastcancer.org); Cancer and Environmental Risk, Cornell University; The Wellness Community Guide to Fighting for Recovery from Cancer by HH Benjamin, Ph.D., 1995; The Avon Foundation Breast Center; John Hopkins University (www.hopkinsbreastcenter.org)
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	NORDIS WEEKLY October 16, 2005
Home \| To bottom	Previous \| Next
Breast cancer: what and what not
By MYRA CHRISTINE CARAGAN-CAGUIOA October is breast cancer awareness month. Sad to say, this is always taken for granted. A lot of women and men do not give importance to their breast health - either they ignore it, they refused to have it checked because the doctor might find something wrong or they do not have the means of going to a doctor for a check-up. Thus, it is when terrible pain comes in that they seek medical help, only to find out that it is too late. These circumstances had made breast cancer the leading cause of death of Filipino women in the recent years. According to the Philippine Cancer Society 14,000 new cases that will be diagnosed this year, about 6,000 will die from it. The causes and treatment of cancer have always been misunderstood. People usually rely on what others have to say depending on what they have heard. The misconception is partly because of the lack of education on health matters and the limited access of basic health services, which the government should prioritize. Although there is a monthly awareness campaign for a specific illness, the government is still not reaching out to majority of the basic masses. Recently I was alarmed by my daughter’s experience in school. One of her classmates thought cancer is contagious. She corrected her right away. Then one of her teachers informed the class that breastfeeding causes breast cancer. My daughter, having a mother with breast cancer, was fully aware that this isn’t so, and she corrected the statement only to her classmates when the teacher was already gone. She finds her teacher’s “ignorance” funny; I find both “misinformations” alarming. Misinformation can keep someone from recognizing and minimizing the risk of breast cancer and other diseases. This article is my contribution to the breast cancer awareness campaign. I am not a medical doctor. As I have mentioned earlier, I have breast cancer stage IIB and I have been waging a war against it for the last three years. The following myths and facts are taken from various reliable sources – books, magazines, pamphlets, websites of reliable cancer support groups and organizations, cancer survivors I personally met and from my sharing and discussions with my own oncologist. Myth #1: Breastfeeding/Non-breastfeeding causes breast cancer Fact: Both are NOT causes of breast cancer. Studies reveal though, that breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% for each year that a woman breastfeeds. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the menstrual cycle is suppressed which means there is less exposure to estrogen. Estrogen, a hormone that stimulates the cell division, contributes in the uncontrollable multiplication of abnormal breast cells. Hence, suppressing the production of estrogen lowers the risk of breast cancer. Logically, non-breastfeeding increases the risk of breast cancer. Birth and lactation also increases the level of oxytocin in a woman’s body. According to some studies, oxytocin is a hormone that prevents breast cancer. I breastfed my four kids, each for 1-2 years. Nevertheless, I still got breast cancer. This shows that although breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, one can still have it because there are other risk factors to consider. Myth #2: Cancer is contagious Fact: Breast cancer is not a communicable disease. It is not passed on through human excretions nor spread in the air. But it can be inherited because of the presence of DNA-mutated BRCA genes, the tumor suppressor genes. When BRCA (BRCA1 and BRCA2) genes are mutated, they lose their function of controlling the growth of abnormal cells, thereby increasing the risk of developing cancer. The other risk factors of breast cancer include: age, family history, menstruation beginning at an early age, menstruation continuing past the age 50, having a first child after age 30, high fat diets, long term replacement therapy. Myth #3: Only women get breast cancer Fact: It may be in small number but men die too from breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 1,450 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men each year, and approximately 470 men die from breast cancer annually. Only in the USA? No. According to my oncologist, Dr. Felina Masadao-Adefuin, she has two male patients with breast cancer. Surely there are more. However, male patients do not talk openly about it. In general, men refused to submit themselves for breast check-up and deliberately eliminate the possibility of having breast cancer. The absence of mammary glands in men is not an assurance that they cannot have breast cancer. Myth #4: Breast cancer only affects older women Fact: While it is true that the risk of breast cancer increases as we grow old, breast cancer strikes at any age. I just turned 34 years old when I was diagnosed in 2002 and thought I was the youngest patient. Later, I learned there are a lot of patients younger than I was. In a research done by the American Cancer Society, from birth to age 39, one woman in 231 will get breast cancer; from age 40-59, the chance is 1 in 25, from age 60-79, the chance is 1 in 15. Myth #5: If breast cancer doesn’t run in the family, you won’t get it Fact: About 80% of women who get breast cancer have no family history of cancer. However, someone with a family history increases the risk of cancer due to the presence of mutated genes (discussed in myth #2). It is best to look into your family’s history of diseases and openly discuss these with your doctor. Remember that what you don’t know can actually hurt you. Myth #6: Herbal medicines can cure breast cancer Fact: Cancer is not curable. But it is highly treatable especially in its early stages. The use of herbal medicines can help boost the immune system, cleanse the body and regulate blood flow. At present, some doctors are already incorporating herbal/ alternative medicines in the regimen of their patients but only after reading the literature of the herbal/alternative medicine. This is because some of the components of alternative medicines and herbal supplements may interfere in the proper absorption of other medicines. It can also complicate and may reduce the potency of medicines essential for the treatment of breast cancer and other diseases for that matter. It is therefore necessary to discuss with your doctor whatever medicines and supplements you are taking for any illness, just to be sure you get the most benefits out of what you are taking. I, myself, am taking food supplements that are herbal in nature to keep my immune system stronger. But I made sure that my oncologist had read the label/brochure and had her approval. Myth #7: Stress has nothing to do with cancer Fact: In some websites, it is claimed that stress is not related with cancer. However, in the study made by the US-based Wellness Community (a support group for cancer patients), unpleasant emotions called “stress” which weakens the immune system. Researches believe that stress may cause immune system to release hormone that alters the function of the disease-fighting immune system. In this case, it can no longer control the production of abnormal cells until these cells take control of the normal functions of body organs. Thus cancer sets in. On the other hand, pleasant emotions strengthen our immune system. When we experience happy thoughts like love, joy and laughter, there is an increase in the level of oxytocin (also responsible for general sense of happiness) in our body, thereby helping in the prevention of breast cancer. We all experience stresses in our daily lives. We just have to learn how to control stress by minimizing the intensity and duration of the unpleasant feeling- anger, anxiety, hurt, pain, envy, etc. Meanwhile we should attempt to maximize the duration and intensity of the pleasant emotions. Myth #8: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer Fact: Since the late 1990s, it has been inaccurately circulated through the internet that the use of antiperspirant is the leading cause of cancer. It is claimed that since antiperspirants work to stop underarm perspiration, certain toxins are trapped in the body and are deposited in the lymph nodes below the arms. This leads to the development of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, all of these are not true. First, there are no toxins to purge in the armpits. Sweat is made up of 99.9% water and only 1% of the sweat glands are located in the armpits. Perspiration is noticeable in this area because sweat is more difficult to evaporate from this area. Myth #9: A monthly breast self-exam (BSE) is the best way to diagnose breast cancer Fact: Mammography (high quality x-ray for the breast) is the best way to find breast cancer in its earliest stage. Breast self-exam and clinical breast-exam (done by medical practitioners) are still very important. But only about 25% of breast cancers are found in BSE compared with 35% found in mammography alone. Forty percent found both by physical exam and mammography. Although mammography is expensive, the cost will outweigh the benefits. If only the test is more affordable, then more women will surely avail of it. In the meantime, check out laboratories/ hospitals that give free breast exam, and discounts in mammography during the whole month of October. I found mine through BSE, but it was only when the tumor reached the size of 4.8 cm that I felt it. This is because the tumor was almost attached to my ribs so I wasn’t able to feel it during monthly BSEs. If I had mammography then, I might have caught it in an earlier stage. Myth # 10: A breast cancer diagnosis means death. Fact: Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer with no metastasis (no cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes) live at least five years or even beyond. Even those with metastasis can live longer. Breast cancer is the most treatable type of cancer because of non-stop researches and clinical trials. Thus, cancer is not an automatic death sentence. What can one do to reduce the risk of breast cancer? The following are advised by doctors and breast health care teams: (1) Regular exercise 3-4 times a week; (2) Low calorie diets rich in fruits and vegetable; (3) Minimize alcohol consumption; (5) Stop smoking; (5) Lifestyle changes; (6) Get regular mammogram Do not wait for first signs or symptoms to come. As much as possible, have a regular mammogram. Remember, early detection saves lives. Best of all, have a healthy life! # Sources: Philippine Cancer Society; American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org); Breast Center Baylor College of Medicine (www.breastcancer.org); Cancer and Environmental Risk, Cornell University; The Wellness Community Guide to Fighting for Recovery from Cancer by HH Benjamin, Ph.D., 1995; The Avon Foundation Breast Center; John Hopkins University (www.hopkinsbreastcenter.org)
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