Gain An Extra Layer Of Protection To Combact Cancer With Health Insurance
October is the dedicated month for spreading awareness about Breast Cancer.
To encourage the sharing of information, and to boost early detection and cure, AFNIC is sharing 31 facts about Breast Cancer.
1. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
2. According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, affecting countries at all levels of modernization.
3. The leading risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman; Women are 100x more likely to be at risk than men.
4. Breast Cancer deaths have decreased by more than 1/3rd over the past 3 decades around the world, partly due to increase in awareness and regular screenings.
5. Men can also get breast cancer. About 1 in 1,000 men are diagnosed annually. They also carry higher mortality than women because of lack of awareness.
6. Early detection is critical to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival. 2 Early detection strategies: Early Diagnosis and Screening.
7. Early detection of breast cancer increases treatment option and often reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer.
8. Women are encouraged to conduct a self-exam on themselves at least once a month. How to Guide: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
9. 8 out of 10 lumps detected are not cancerous; however contact your doctor if any are detected.
10. A mammogram is an x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine breast tissue for anything suspicious.
11. Mammograms can often show breast lumps before they are felt.
12. There are 2 types of breast tumours: “benign” or non-cancerous tumours and “malignant” or cancerous tumours.
13. When a tumour is diagnosed as benign, doctors will usually leave it alone; unless they continue to grow and cause pain or other problems.
14. Malignant tumours are aggressive and invade and damage surrounding tissue. A biopsy will be performed by the doctor to determine the severity and understand what steps to take.
15. Abortions, hair dyes & prophylactic surgery are commonly mistaken for causes of breast cancer – they are not.
16. No one knows the exact cause of breast cancer, although it is known that breast cancer is always caused by damage to a cell’s DNA.
17. Myth: Everyone needs genetic screening for breast cancer.
Face: Only about 2% of women meet the guidelines for screening.
18. About 5-10% of breast cancers can be traced to specific, inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
19. Breast cancer topped the total 4,707 new cancer cases that were found in the UAE in 2018.
20. These do NOT cause breast cancer: caffeine, deodorant, microwaves, cell phones, implants, mammograms, contact with someone who has Breast Cancer.
21. Research suggests breastfeeding for a year or more reduced the risk of breast cancer – about a 4.3% reduction for every 12 months.
22. A top risk factor for breast cancer: Simply getting older – 79% of new cases and 88% of deaths occurred in women over 50.
23. Avoidable risk factors for breast cancer: Lack of physical activity, poor diet, drinking alcohol, obesity, radiation to chest, combined hormone replacement therapy.
24. 60-70% of people with breast cancer have no connection to known risk factors at all, while other people with risk factors will never develop cancer.
25. Breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer; rarely a tumour may cause pain, but cancerous tumours are not generally reported as painful.
26. The American Cancer Society continues to recommend yearly mammograms beginning at age 40.
27. Exercise reduces breast cancer risk for women of all body types.
28. With 8/10 breast lumps discovered by women themselves, don’t underestimate monthly breast self-exams.
29. Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumour is small and most easily treated.
30. 4 best ways to prevent breast cancer: exercise, eat healthy, limit alcohol, quit smoking and get annual mammograms.
31. By performing monthly breast self-exams, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breast. Talk to your healthcare professional if you detect anything unusual.
Along with early detection, it is vital to get the appropriate treatment in order to combat cancer.
We always need to be prepared for any eventuality and with AFNIC Health (Medical) Insurance you can ensure that you will get the best medical treatment.
Call 800 AFNIC (23642) for more information, or send us your details on the website by requesting a Call Back.
AFNIC stands in solidarity with our fighters.