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In Jamaican women breast cancer is major cause of death
– Reported, February 29, 2012
It is true that breast cancer is still the leading cause of death among Jamaican women aged 25 to 44 years old. It is also true that only four per cent of the target group(women 35 and over) do regular breast cancer screening tests. The stark reality is that Breast Cancer is responsible for about 18% of cancer deaths in Jamaican women each year.
According to mortality statistics published in the June 2001 edition of the West Indian Medical Journal, 291 women died of breast cancer in 1999. This is about 24 per cent of all cancer deaths among women that year.
The Jamaica Cancer Registry, JCR, monitors the incidence of cancer in Jamaica through regular five-year reports. The most recent report covers the period 1998-2002 and includes the incidence of cancers in males and females in Kingston and St. Andrew, the population base of the registry.
According to the JCR, a total of 2350 cancer cases were recorded in females in Kingston and St. Andrew during the period 1998 – 2002. The leading site was breast (639 cases), followed by cervix uteri (318 cases) and large bowel (218 cases). Most of the 639 cases of breast cancer occurred in women between the ages of 25 and 59 years. The JCR notes that the incidence of breast cancer has shown little change over the last report (43.2 per 100,000 per year, 1993-1997) versus 40.1 per 100,000 per year (1998-2002).
However, with the increasing use of screening mammography in Jamaica, despite the fact that there is no national structured screening programme, it is expected that an increase in the incidence of breast cancer should occur.
The JCR puts Jamaica’s breast cancer mortality rate at 30.1 per 100,000 comparing unfavourably to the United States’ rate of 21.5. This high mortality rate may be linked to the fact that most women, in the risk group (35 years and older) have never been screened for the disease.
The low breast cancer screening rate also speaks to the issue of access for rural women and also to the matter of cost of the screening test.
Most cases of breast cancer occur in women with no specific risk factors other than their age and gender, although family history of the disease and ovarian cancer is associated with higher risk. Note however that four out of five women who get breast cancer do not have a history of it in their family.
A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine found no link between birth-control pill use and breast cancer. However, other studies found a slight connection. The recommendation therefore is that it is safe to be on the pill for 5-10 years. The jury is still out on long-term use.
Being overweight increases your risk of breast cancer as overweight women have higher blood estrogen and insulin levels both of which may promote the development of cancerous cells. After menopause being overweight can increase your risk for breast cancer by up to 60%.
Women who gained more than 40 pounds during a single pregnancy face a 40% greater risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. Women should therefore try to limit weight gain in pregnancy to between 25 and 35 pounds.
A 1998 survey done at the Harvard Medical School of Public Health in Boston, showed that women who have one alcoholic drink every day increase their chances of getting breast cancer by 9% as against women who don’t.
Women who started menstruation before age 12; entered menopause after 55; became pregnant after age 30 or have never been pregnant are also at increased risk for breast cancer.
Early Detection – This is the only defense against breast cancer, which, unfortunately cannot be prevented. Finding it early however, guarantees an almost 100% cure rate. Women are therefore encouraged to:-
Do regular breast self-examination after the end of the period or at the same time each month if periods have ended.
Have a clinical breast exam by a Health Care Professional every three years if you are between 20-39 and once yearly if you are 40 and over.
Do annual mammograms beginning at age 40 and discuss a personal schedule with your doctor if you have a strong family history of breast cancer.
Exercise – This can also help lower breast cancer risk. One study at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles found that women who participated in at least four hours of exercise per week during their pre-menopausal years had a 58% lower breast cancer risk than women who were inactive. Exercise decreases the estrogen in the blood and may increase the body’s production of cancer fighting cells.
A Healthy Diet with an emphasis on plant sources can reduce your chances of getting breast cancer.
Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
Choose whole grains over processed (refined) grains.
Choose fish, poultry or beans instead of beef, pork or processed meats.
Limit intake of refined carbohydrates such as pastries, sweetened cereals and other high-sugar foods.
Limit your intake/abstain from alcoholic beverages.
Women, please remember that your breast health is your responsibility and you need to be proactive in your approach to breast cancer, which can only be controlled/cured through early detection.
Credits: Ms. Yvonne Watson CDDR
More Information at:
http://www.healthaccessja.com/nmcms.php?snippet=resource_center&p=resource_detail&id=13&type=resource
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