MS Jo Anne Zujewski Head of Breast Cancer Therapeutics Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) said while talking to The News Tribe in a special meeting at a local hotel that awareness among girls about breast cancer can significantly reduce the rate of mortality from breast cancer in Pakistan.
She said that breast cancer survival rates are higher in the countries like the US because of awareness among women, besides higher standard of health facilities.
Monthly breast self-examination plays vital role to diagnose breast cancer on early stage. Majority of breast lumps are not cancerous, she added.
Jo Anne further said that earlier stage diagnoses of breast cancer can prevent the patients from various complications.
She said that the darkest and baseless view among affected women is that they think no one can safeguard them from death or deprivation of breast’s stigma. Society particularly husband of patient can help the victims of breast cancer to pull out the patient from that state of depression, she added.
Dr. Anne said that though Breast Cancer is a life threatening disease, it is also curable. Moreover Mastectomy (removal of affected breast) is not only treatment of cancer.
She said that patient can live a normal life even after the removal of breast as science is able to breast implant successfully.
To a question about precautionary measures, she told that breast feeding, having children at earlier age, living with a natural life style and balanced diet can reduce the risks of breast cancer.
Usage of alcohol, obesity and late child bearing increase risks of breast cancer. Women, who experienced radiation therapy in her teenage, are more likely to develop breast cancer, she said.
Dr. Jo Anne Zujewski said that more cases of breast cancer occur in the US as compare to countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, but the threat of breast cancer is increasing in Pakistan, because of unawareness.
She said that hesitation among women to contact doctors is another problem in Pakistan, besides low health facilities. Countrywomen even urban housewives hesitate to inform their family, when the found lump in their breast.
While smiling Dr. Jo said that there is an edge for Pakistani women that they do not use alcohol, under their cultural values.
To a query she said that experts are not yet clear about the role of genetics in regard with developing breast cancer. More than 70 percent patients of breast cancer have no family history, she added.
She said that she recommend regular detailed checkup after the age of 40, but awareness should be provided to girls in their teenage.
Dr. Zujewski said that living without breast is batter than losing life, but my biggest message for Pakistani women is “Not to Afraid of Breast Cancer.”
Dr. Jo further said that breast cancer also exists among men but, very rare.
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