Breast cancer: the naked truth
Breast cancer is everywhere. Icons of screen, stage and music support breast cancer charities. Celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Sheryl Crow, Cynthia Nixon and Christina Applegate have all famously battled with this life threatening illness. Countless charities produce merchandise to raise awareness, ranging from t-shirts to jewellery to hair straighteners, with this October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month upping the ante. The reality of the situation, however, is far from glamorous. More than 46,000 cases are diagnosed every year, and one in nine women will suffer from breast cancer, the most common form of cancer in the UK, in their lifetime.
I spoke to Debbie*, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and who died three years later. She impresses on me that, “these figures are not simply soulless numbers, but real women. Picture nine of your female friends and relatives – one of these women will have to fight breast cancer. Facts, figures and statistics are all very well, but the human element is completely lost. They aren’t simply the 33,387th case that year. Their illness affects their lives and the lives of those around them entirely.”
Cancer Research UK is the largest single funder of breast cancer research, spending over £45 million on groundbreaking work to understand the causes, learn how to prevent it, and improve diagnostics and treatments. They also strive to find methods of improving the quality of life for those living with the disease. Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Information Director of the charity, said: “Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking scientists and doctors have made a huge amount of progress in improving the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, with more women surviving than ever before.” Treatments for breast cancer usually start with surgery. Either a lumpectomy is performed, where the cancerous tumour is removed, or in more extreme cases, a full mastectomy, which involves the entire breast being cut away. This is usually followed by courses of chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy.
“It’s strange,” remarks Debbie, “In my experience, women who have undiagnosed breast cancer don’t appear ill, despite living with a disease that is slowly killing them. It’s only once the treatments starts, the operations and the chemotherapy, that it really becomes apparent how sick these people really are. Even though my mum probably had breast cancer for five years before it was recognised, she seemed fine and healthy. Once she started taking her prescriptions, her hair fell out, she was constantly vomiting, skin shed from her hands until they were raw and her mouth was covered in ulcers and sores.” It is the norm for cancer patients to have horrific side effects to their treatments, which is why it is imperative for research to continue. Fundraising aids progress in the improvement and creation of new drugs and helps to achieve a better understanding of the most effective combinations of medicine.
It is also important to remember that whilst the patients are suffering, those around them may also be struggling. Debbie recalls, “I have memories of my mum that I wish I did not have. I remember trying not to physically recoil when dressing the stitching from her mastectomy; resenting her as her personality and mood changed as the cancer took over; and forever scarring me, the image of my little sister dripping water into her mouth with a sponge when she was too weak to drink.” If you are struggling under the pressure of a loved one having cancer, then talk to someone. The university offers an excellent counselling service and charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, providing practical and emotional help to both patients and their families.
How can you reduce your chances of contracting breast cancer? By far the most effective way to beat breast cancer is by examining your breasts and catching it early. Dr Sarah Cant, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, states: “The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful. Showing your breasts some TLC by regularly touching, looking for changes and checking anything unusual out with your doctor are the best ways to ensure this.” Worryingly, a recent survey carried out by Breakthrough Breast Cancer indicated that nearly a quarter of women never check their breasts at all, due to the fact that they were uncertain of how to check and what to look out for.
Charlie Leyland, YUSU academic and welfare officer, has plans to address this issue: “In July I’m hoping to do a big cancer awareness day, incorporating breast cancer and testicular cancer, along the lines of the national wear pink day. It would be really nice if we could have some nurses running workshops on breast self-examination. Before then I’m hoping to put some information on the YUSU website about breast awareness.”
The box below details how to check yourself and what to look out for. Both women and men are at risk of breast cancer. The chances of someone under the age of 25 contracting breast cancer are 1 in 15,000, but the risk is quite definitely there.
Debbie ends our conversation on the same note of warning: “I can’t help but think that if my mum’s cancer had been detected earlier, she would still be here today. It’s upsetting to think my mum will never see me graduate, help me pick out my wedding dress or be around to offer me advice and love. I would urge anyone and everyone to check their breasts and pass on the same message to their friends and family. What happened to me and my mum does not have to happen to you.”
Checking you breasts
It is vital that, once over the age of 20, you check your breasts at least every six months. Nine out of ten breast lumps are benign, which means they are not cancerous, but the risk isn’t one worth taking.
It is easiest to check your breasts in the shower or bath. Run a hand over each breast and up under your arm. The NHS breast awareness five-point code says:
* Know what is normal for you
* Look and feel
* Know what changes to look for
* Report any changes without delay
* Attend a breast screening if aged over 50
You are checking for changes to the size, shape or feel of your breast. Changes include:
* A lump or thickening
* A change in the size or shape
* Dimpling of the skin
* A change in the shape of the nipple; if it turns in or becomes irregular in shape
* A blood-stained discharge from the nipple
* A rash on the nipple or surrounding area
* A swelling or lump in the armpit
These signs can all be due to other medical conditions, but you give yourself the best chance of successful treatment by going to the doctor early.
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When I read articles about cancer, I ´m thinking about what cancer really is and the most people doesn´t know. Cancer is the mutation of the normal cell of the body after reproducing itself. And this only happens after an attack to the DNA.
This must be protected.
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