Breast Cancer Fact: It affects a lot of women in Singapore. Actually, it is the most common type of cancer for women.
Singapore has made numerous efforts to campaign and educate Singaporeans on this disease. However, with the prevalence of fake news like deodorant being linked to Breast cancer; we must ask ourselves, how much do we really know about Breast Cancer?
Here’s 10 things you need to Know about BC (part 1):
Breast Cancer Fact #1: Breast Cancer does not just target women
While it is rare for men to get breast cancer – less than 1 % – men are still susceptible to this disease. Men do have breast tissue located in their chest or ‘pecs’ that can mutate into cancerous cells. Unlike their female counterparts however, there is a lack of awareness of Male Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Fact #2: Breast Cancer is not just one type of disease
Not many people are aware that Breast Cancer exists in many types and subtypes.
Some common examples:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
- Occurs when cancer cells are inside the milk ducts or ‘in situ’ (“in its original place”) and have not developed the ability to spread either within or outside the breast.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
- Refers to cancer that has broken through the wall of the milk duct and begun to invade the tissues of the breast.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- A diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer means that the three most common types of receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth–estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene– are not present in the cancer tumor. Since the tumor cells lack the necessary receptors, common treatments like hormone therapy and drugs that target estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2 are ineffective.
Breast Cancer Fact #3: Breast Cancer does not always form a lump
One of the common tell tale signs of Breast Cancer is a lump in the breast or the armpit. However, this is not the only symptom. In fact, out of the 8 warning signs, 6 can be seen with your bare eyes whilst only two can be felt:
Breast Cancer Fact #4: There is no link between Breast Cancer and Antiperspirant Deodorant
There is no conclusive research linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
For those still unconvinced with the claims that Antiperspirant Deodorant has no link with Breast Cancer , BreastCancer.org weighs in with a different approach : “Even the strongest antiperspirant doesn’t block all perspiration in the armpit. Most cancer-causing substances are removed by the kidneys and released through urine or processed by the liver. Sweating isn’t a significant way for your body to release toxins. And while there are concerns about chemicals, such as phthalates and parabens used for fragrance and preservation, from a whole list of personal care products (including antiperspirants) being absorbed by the body, these chemicals are unlikely to be culprits in causing breast cancer.”
Breast Cancer Fact #5: Mammograms do not prevent Breast Cancer
A mammogram is a type of x-ray commonly used for the initial breast screening procedure. It produces images that can help detect lumps or abnormalities. It does not prevent Breast Cancer.
Read Part 2 here!
How can Jaga-Me Help?
We provide professional cancer care for your loved one. If your loved one needs frequent care, you can engage our services. If you need personalised caregiver training, you can simply ask our nurses! We will assess the condition of the patient and provide you a personalised care plan on how to care for him or her.
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