Breast Cancer: Many come when it is too late

2010/02/06

MANISAH M, 54, was diagnosed with third stage breast cancer in July last year. She was suffering from Paget's disease of the nipple in which the cancer, which started in the breast ducts, spread to the skin of the nipple and areola (the dark circle around the nipple).

Her doctor informed her it was a rare form of breast cancer and a mastectomy needed to be performed, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

"The skin of my nipple and areola appeared crusted, scaly, and red, with areas of bleeding. Sometimes I felt a burning sensation and at times it itched," she said.

Like many other breast cancer victims, Manisah was devastated.

Two of her friends who had third stage breast cancer went through the same treatment regime -- mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. They died three years after they were diagnosed.

Manisah thought she was fated to die whether she went through treatment or not.

"When my condition worsened, I went to see a surgeon in September, only to be told that my chances of recovery looked bleak as the cancer had spread," she said.

"I now regret not seeing a doctor two years ago when I first detected a lump in my right breast. If only I had gone, I would not be suffering like this today."

University Malaya Medical Centre consultant general surgeon (breast) Associate Professor Dr Nur Aishah Mohd Taib said early detection could save lives.

Dr Nur Aishah who has been a breast surgeon for nine years said that at least 40 per cent of Malay women who came to the department were diagnosed with either third or fourth stage of breast cancer.

The percentage among Chinese and Indians was lower.

She said every year, about 300 new cases of breast cancer were reported, of which 20 per cent of them were in an advanced stage.

"At least 70 patients will appeal for financial help and 90 per cent will get it either from the Patient Welfare Fund or the Breast Cancer Fund."

To help these women, Dr Nur Aishah said the medical centre wanted to have their own breast cancer fund.

She said some patients did not take their breast problem seriously because of the thinking that "it is all fated" and financial constraints.

"There were cases of patients, on the advice of parents and family members, seeking traditional treatment before turning to modern medicine. In most cases, the cancer would have spread, making it difficult for surgery and other treatments."

Dr Nur Aishah is researching why women in the country seek treatment for breast cancer late.

"My initial study revealed that fear, financial problems and the perception that there is no hope for breast cancer except to wait for death, are the main reasons."

She said women must realise that the cancer was preventable through regular screening, mammogram, healthy diet and regular exercise.

"Even if they suffer from cancer, they can be treated with new medication and the survival rate is good."

Compared with other cancers, breast cancer is treatable if diagnosed early.

Dr Nur Aishah also said studies showed that the smaller the breast, the better the chances of a surgical cure and long-term survival.

UMMC is organising a breast cancer fundraising concert at Dewan Tunku Chancellor on March 6 for its fund.