Pink ribbon: Be alert to breast cancer
Reported October 14, 2008
BREAST cancer is the leading cause of death among Shanghai women and a major killer of women nationwide. So, go ahead, wear that cute pink ribbon. But get a breast cancer checkup, writes Yang Di.
October is World Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are pretty pink ribbons to wear, there are landmarks illuminated in pink, there are fundraisers, pamphlets and awareness campaigns.
Be informed. Survival rates increase with early detection.
Regular checkups and mammograms are essential. Self-exams can help.
The problem is serious in China where environmental pollution, obesity and poor eating habits contribute to cancer of all kinds.
Many women are uninformed and do not realize that most breast and other cancers, if detected early, are treatable.
Breast removal is not a given.
China statistics are scattered. Last October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts in Shanghai said breast cancer was the leading cause of death among Shanghai women and that the rate has tripled over the past 35 years.
In big industrialized polluted cities, breast cancer is the biggest killer of women. Nationwide, the Ministry of Health reports, breast cancer increased 96 percent in 30 years.
Among the figures: In 2001, the national incidence was 17 out of 100,000 in 2006 it was 52 out of 100,000.
One projection puts the incidence at over 100 out of 10,000 by the year 2021.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and the most common cause of cancer death among women.
The message behind the pink ribbon: “World Pink. World Without Breast Cancer. Wear a Pink Ribbon. Make a Difference.”
The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was initiated in 1992 by Evelyn H. Lauder, senior corporate vice president of cosmetics giant The Estee Lauder Companies.
By month’s end, more than 80 million pink ribbons will have been distributed worldwide, as well as millions of education pamphlets through Estee Lauder counters.
More than 200 global landmarks are illuminated in pink.
Around US$35 million will have been raised for breast cancer research.
The number of ribbons distributed since 1992 would create a bridge of pink between New York and China, if stretched end to end.
The Pink Ribbon Campaign debuted in China in 2003.
In the last two years, Shanghai Nanpu Bridge has been lighted in pink, and so has China Century Monument in Beijing.
The American Cancer Society estimates that this year, 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States and about 40,480 will die.
But the five-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer has increased from 80 percent in the 1950s to 98 percent today.
Globally, breast cancer incidence rates are highest in North America and northern Europe, lowest in Asia and Africa. However, rates in Japan and urban China are rising.
Professor Damon T.K. Choy from Ruijin AmMed Cancer Center said that about half the cases are linked to risk factors, such as age at menarche, first live birth, menopause and proliferative breast disease. Another 10 percent are associated with a positive family history.
“Studies have shown that having a close relative with breast or ovarian cancer may increase one’s personal risk,” he said.
For those with family or personal histories of these cancers, genetic testing may help.
Knowledge of the disease and risk factors can clear up misunderstandings. Some factors cannot be controlled, but we can control our weight, cut down on fats, eat healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables with antioxidants that protect cells.
“Breast care is very important,” said Choy. “We recommend breast self-exam once a month on the second and third day after our period ends or at the same time each month if you are post-menopausal.”
Mammograms, ultrasounds for older women, and professional checkups are essential.
Breast self-exam
Step 1: Before the mirror
Check for changes in shape, size and appearance, such as dimpling, rash, nipple discharge, etc.
Inspect your breasts in four steps with your arms at your sides, over your head, your hands on your hips, tightening chest muscles, bend forward with hands on hips.
Step 2: Lying down
Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. Feel for any hard lumps or changes.
Use three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast.
Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion.
Follow an up-and-down pattern over entire breast, above and below the collarbone and armpit.
Repeat on your left breast with right hand.
Step 3: In the shower
Raise your right arm and check your right breast with soapy left hand using same motions in step 2.