Turn Awareness Into Action For Breast Cancer This Pinktober - Oncologist

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30  (Bernama) -- Each October, the country is awash in pink ribbons and campaigns to raise awareness about breast cancer, thus Pinktober.

However, according to Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Dr Aqilah Othman, awareness has not translated into timely action for many women in Malaysia.

The Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report findings revealed that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women, accounting for 31.3 per cent of all female cancer diagnoses in 2022, but also topping the list of cancer deaths among Malaysian women.

Dr Aqilah saw the consequences firsthand, saying that “younger women are coming in more often, but many are still showing up late.”

“Some hope the lump will go away. Others delay out of fear or because they think cancer is a death sentence. By the time they seek help, the cancer has been there for a long time,” she said in a statement today.

A common misconception she highlighted is the belief that screening is only necessary when symptoms appear.

“That undermines the entire purpose of screening. Screening is meant to catch cancer when you still feel fine. If you already have symptoms, you're no longer screening, you're investigating,” she said.

Dr Aqilah said early detection of breast cancers in the asymptomatic phase translates to much higher cure and overall survival rates.

“Catch it early, and treatment might only be surgery. If delayed, treatment will involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. It’s more difficult, costly, and emotionally taxing because once cancer reaches lymph nodes or other distant organs, it needs aggressive, multimodal treatment,” she explained.

Yet, Dr Aqilah said screening uptake remains low due to time, cost, stigma and misinformation.

“Some women can't afford to miss a day for a checkup or screening. If they feel healthy, they see no reason to go,” she said.

To help reduce this barrier, she shared that there are government initiatives that offer women fully subsidised mammograms and NGOs that also offer the same services.

“Private hospitals also offer walk-in same-day screenings. No referral is needed. Just ask for a breast screening and you’ll be guided from there,” she said, while noting that making screening more accessible not only encourages timely diagnosis but also contributes to patient satisfaction by easing what can often be an anxious process.

At the same time, Dr Aqilah debunked the myths about mammograms and biopsies.

“Mammograms do not cause cancer. The radiation dose is relatively low. Biopsies do not cause cancer to spread either. They're essential to confirm a diagnosis and how best to manage it,” she said.

She also dispelled another myth that cancer patients cannot live a full life while in treatment.

“Most regimens are manageable now. With proper support, people can work, travel and live their lives. Cancer doesn’t have to mean isolation,” she said.

For this Pinktober, Dr Aqilah urged women between 50 and 74 who haven’t had a mammogram in two years to get one and for those in their 40s, she advises discussing with a doctor, as they may warrant starting screening at an earlier age.

Dr Aqilah also stressed the importance of paying attention to warning signs such as lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, or breast pain.

“If symptoms last for more than four weeks, seek medical advice. Don't delay. Don't assume you're too young. Let someone guide you through it. You'll feel more in control once you understand your options,” she concluded.

-- BERNAMA