Breast cancer is on the rise in Britain and other European countries, and this should make us take notice in the Caribbean, since we may not be far behind. British newspaper, The Independent, reports that there has been a sharp increase in cases of breast cancer in Britain over the past few years, with one woman in nine now developing the disease. This represents an 80% increase since the 1970’s, the paper says.
 |
|
Cathy Buffonge has lived in |
Some risk factors mentioned in the paper include earlier menarche (start of menstrual periods) due to improved nutrition, later menopause, delayed childbirth (having children later) and smaller number of children; also decline in breastfeeding, increasing obesity / overweight, as well as increased alcohol consumption and possibly increased fat intake. Hormone replacement therapy after menopause also increases the risk, the paper said.
We in the Caribbean should take note of these trends, since several of these risk factors can be applied to our region. Of course some of these factors are outside our control, but it is noteworthy that two of the risk factors mentioned are obesity and declining breastfeeding. Both of these are highly relevant in the Caribbean situation, and are matters of concern to the Caribbean Nutrition Institute (CFNI).
For many years CFNI has been promoting full breast feeding, which is recommended on its own for the first six months of a baby’s life. Exclusive breast feeding holds many benefits both for the infant and the mother, including protection of the mother against breast cancer.
CFNI also promotes healthy eating and the avoidance of overweight and obesity (extreme overweight), since chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers are linked to obesity. The breast cancer risk is yet one more reason why we should try and control our weight. CFNI has also pointed some years ago to a link between a high fat intake and breast cancer.
Early detection, fewer deaths
In spite of the rise in breast cancer in Britain and the European countries, the Independent reports that the actual number of deaths from breast cancer has fallen. This is because improved breast screening has led to earlier diagnosis and treatment. In other words although more women are getting breast cancer, it is detected at an earlier stage so that it can be successfully treated.
One important method of breast screening is a mammogram, a special x-ray of the breasts that can detect possible breast cancer. This is available in some Caribbean countries, and for those who can, it is wise to take advantage of this important investigation, which can make all the difference in early detection and diagnosis.
However, regardless of this, all women are advised to do a monthly breast self-examination, and in addition they should have their breasts examined annually by a nurse or doctor. Breast self-examination is easy, and women can consult with their health care provider, such as community nursing staff, for more information on how to do this.
Women should not be scared of a lump being detected. The majority of breast lumps are not cancerous, and the early detection of any lump in the breast can be life saving.
On the preventive side, let’s go back to those risk factors mentioned earlier, and encourage mothers to breast feed alone for as long as possible. We should also work harder to keep our weight down to a normal range in order to help prevent this cancer, as well as other chronic diseases.