Tanzeel Shafiq, Rawalpindi
Pakistan has higher rate of breast cancer
than any other country in Asia. 90,000 new
cases are diagnosed every year and out of
90,000 cases 40,000 die. It is the second
leading cause of death among women. One
in every nine women is diagnosed by breast
cancer.
Out of different kinds of cancers breast
cancer can be treated and cured if detected
at an early stage. Survival rates are
increased and the number of deaths due to
this disease is declining. From 2013 death
rates are decreasing 1.3% per year.
Treatments are improved overtimes and
better understanding of disease is
developed.
Early warning signs of breast cancer include
swelling and redness of the skin and visible
differences on he breasts. Change in the
skin leads to the pain and discomfort in the
breast. Some people describe the pain as
burning sensation. Feeling constantly tired,
constant nausea, unexplained weight loss is
the general symptoms of breast cancer.
Studies shows that risk of breast cancer is
due to combination factors, it is found in
women who are above 50. It is estimated
that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer
are inherited. It is because of abnormal
growth of breasts cells. Cells divide more
rapidly than normal cells and spread
through the breast and causes lump in the
breast.
Moreover, hormonal, lifestyle and
environmental factors increases risk of
breast cancer.
It’s not clear that why people with risk
factors do not develop cancer but some
have no risk factors developed cancer.
In order to prevent from breast cancer one
should eat healthy diets, eat fresh
vegetables and fruits and yes one should
quit smoking or drink alcohol once a day
only by doing this risk of breast cancer can
be lowered.
I request government to hold awareness
campaigns and free clinics where women
can go for mammograms.