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All You Need to Know About Mammograms This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Mammograms are vital for early breast cancer detection, using X-ray imaging to identify abnormalities that may be too small to feel during a physical exam.
  • Pakistan faces a significant breast cancer challenge, with 90,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths annually, partly due to healthcare infrastructure, low female literacy, and cultural taboos.
  • Women typically start annual mammograms around age 40, with bi-annual screenings after 55, and those with a family history of breast cancer should consult their physician for earlier screening.

Annually, Pakistan records a staggering 90,000 new cases of breast cancer, resulting in approximately 40,000 tragic deaths among women. Mammograms are important for early breast cancer detection and should be scheduled by women above 40 annually.

October is breast cancer awareness month across the globe and women are urged to schedule their mammogram today!

Everything You Need to Know About a Mammogram: New England Women's Healthcare: OBGYNs

Factors Leading to Increasing Cases of Breast Cancer in Pakistan

The increase of breast cancer in Pakistan can be directly attributed to several factors including:

  • healthcare infrastructure
  • low levels of female literacy
  • deeply ingrained conservative beliefs

Addressing this issue solely through annual digital campaigns has proven insufficient, as breast cancer continues to be a hushed and taboo subject. It is often euphemistically referred to as ‘cancer for women’ to evade societal shame and stigma. Even within urban areas, many women struggle to access appropriate medical care, lacking essential awareness about self-examinations and the critical significance of detecting a lump in their breast themselves. Going to a medical practitioner for the same is yet another task in itself for Pakistani women.

Why Should Women in Pakistan Get a Mammogram

A mammogram is a specialised medical imaging procedure used for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in women. It involves taking X-ray images (mammograms) of the breast tissue to identify any abnormalities, such as tumours or suspicious growths.

What you need to know about the new mammogram recommendations - UChicago Medicine

Importance of Mammograms

Mammograms are an essential tool in breast cancer screening, as they can detect tumours that are too small to be felt during a physical breast examination. Early detection through mammography greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Mammograms are typically recommended for women over a certain age, usually starting around the age of 40 or 50, depending on individual risk factors and guidelines provided by healthcare professionals.  Additionally, mammograms can recognize non-cancerous conditions and other possible health issues, allowing people to take control of their health.

What Age Should One Get Mammograms?

Radiologists advise women to start yearly mammograms at the age of 40, with bi-annual screenings recommended for those 55 and older. Women who have a family history of breast cancer should consult their physician about earlier screening.

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Lifestyle

Pinktober: Effects of Climate Change & Geographical Factors on Breast Cancer

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Breast cancer is spreading at an alarming rate, which has made researchers and scientists question if the spread of the said disease is related to climate change and/or geographical factors.

One of the potential reasons for breast cancer is an unhealthy lifestyle, at times these lifestyles are highly influenced by our surroundings and environment, which then makes us question if there is any relationship between cancer and environmental factors.

In a recent study that took place in Iran, researchers shared that human exposure to ultraviolet rays during childhood and adolescence can be linked to the occurrence of breast cancer. Moreover, the recent climate change impact and the spread of diseases shows that cancer is one of the diseases which has been affected by climate change.

The study further points out that breast cancer is formed by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays plays a major role in the risk of obtaining it. Furthermore, in industrialised societies, where there is a massive change in the environment due to solar radiations and pollutants, the risk of endocrine disorders has seen an increase over time, evidently, that leads to higher chances of cancer.

Pakistan, just like Iran, is at high risk of breast cancer cases. According to a report, cases of breast cancer have seen a massive increase, particularly in Pakistan. There has been a surge in cases of women between the ages of 50 – 64 years as well as younger women aged 30 – 34, and this trend is likely expected to increase by 130.7% by 2025.

Pinktober: 5 Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

Early diagnosis of cancer can increase the chances of 5-year survival by up to 99%. Women 40 years and above should get mammography conducted once a year, while younger women can get screened or turn to self-examination if finances are a concern.

According to Maryanaji’s study, the rate of cancer is highly increased along with the increasing longitude due to the location of the countries, in this case, Iran. Because the country experiences hot weather and receives more radiation energy from the sun, their men and women are at high risk.
The amount of high radiation not only contributed to cancer but also stops the immune system from functioning properly and disrupts the DNA. For Pakistanis in particular, it is important for regular checkups, tests, and examinations, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Cancer is a lethal disease which is also financially draining. Hence, we encourage women to test tested timely and start their healthy lifestyle today.
Stay tuned to WOW360.

Rich N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Diet May Help Prevent Breast Cancer: Report

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Breast Cancer Myths
Health & Beauty

Pinktober: 5 Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

October is the month for breast cancer awareness around the world. Commonly known as Pinktober, many important landmarks and cities go pink in solidarity with victims and to show support for those who are fighting the disease and salute those who have successfully conquered their battle against it.

According to a report, cases of breast cancer have seen a massive increase, particularly in Pakistan. There has been a surge in cases of women between the ages of 50 – 64 years as well as younger women aged 30 – 34, and this trend is likely expected to increase by 130.7% by 2025.

Early diagnosis of cancer can increase the chances of 5-year survival by up to 99%. Women 40 years and above should get mammography conducted once a year, while younger women can get screened or turn to self-examination if finances are a concern.

This is why it has become all the more important to share authentic information with the public and encourage women to get their mammography. However, getting screened for early detection is often considered taboo in society, and many families opt for homemade remedies and herbal treatments instead.

To nip the bud once and for all, here are 5 common myths about breast cancer that we had to debunk for you!

5 Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

1. Breast Cancer is Caused by Injuries

This is completely false. Breast cancer is caused by lifestyle, one’s diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and vitamin and mineral use are key factors influencing the risk of breast cancer among women. Sometimes what happens is a woman gets injured on the breast and realizes there is a lump present, which turns out to be cancerous. However, it is not caused by the injury itself and is likely to be present without the person’s knowledge.

8 Benefits of Plant-Based Diet for Women & How it May Prevent Breast Cancer

2. Prolong Use of Phones or Keeping them Near the Body can Cause Cancer

Some women have concerns that they use their phones a lot by keeping them in a pocket near the body, or in garments. and that may be a reason for developing breast cancer. However, the truth is that your smartphone can’t give you breast cancer, but try to limit the usage and keep it away from your body as it can lead to an increase in the risk of brain tumours.

3. Men Can’t Get Breast Cancer

it is rare but possible, nearly 1% of males are victims of breast cancer. The cancer cells begin in the ducts and then grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue.

4. No One in my Family has Breast Cancer, Which Means I Won’t Either

Just because no one in your family had it, that doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Only 5% of all breast cancer cases are associated with hereditary.  Hence, it is extremely important for women over 40 to get their mammography done and for younger women to self-examine their bodies for lumps.

5. Stress Causes Breast Cancer

Stress is not a direct contributor to breast cancer, however, one should maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The better you take care of your body, the fewer chances of testing positive you have.

Have any myths to share? Tell us what they are by commenting in the comments section below.

Stay tuned to wow360.

Rich N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Diet May Help Prevent Breast Cancer: Report

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