It's interesting to note that each year, there are more than 500 new cases of breast cancer in Malaysia and what is alarming is that some 45% of patients are in the end-stage. According to 2003 statistics from two hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, the Malays recorded the lowest rate of breast cancer but a high fatality rate compared with other races, said Dr Nik Ahmad, an obstetrician and gynaecologist.
He was speaking about Women and Cancer, a health talk in conjunction with a pap smear screening and self breast examination in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, recently.
In Malaysia, more than 50% of breast cancer cases involved women who are below 50 years old.
Women who had early menstruation and late menopause, and those who are infertile are also at risk. Exposure to radiation and those with a history of lumps in their breast are also at risk of contracting breast cancer.
He advised women to practise self breast examination four to five days after their periods. Those who are in their menopause can choose a day each month to practise self breast examination.
After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death for women.
Generally, cervical cancer can be detected through a pap smear. Women who have bleeding after sex or pain during intercourse should be cautious. Women with irregular periods and unusual discharge from the vagina as well as bleeding after menopause should also heed these “warning” signs.
A pap smear takes less than 10 minutes and is painless and inexpensive. It should be done 10 days after one’s period.
Source: Giving a ‘pap’ talk...The Star
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