Keeping Abreast Of The Facts

This October, we have partnered up with National Cancer Society Malaysia as a supporter of breast cancer awareness month. Along with sharing what we have learnt from them, we will be donating 10% of our sales proceeds for the month of October to National Cancer Society Malaysia to aid in their efforts towards cancer prevention, screening, care and support services for the community.

NCSM have shared some lesser known facts that we should all be aware of.

What We Need To Know

1. Breast cancer DOES NOT exclusively affect women.
   Whilst breast cancer incidence is higher amongst women, men are also at risk of developing breast cancer. Some of the most common reasons for this include ageing, having a family history of breast cancer, exposure to radiation or having the Klinefelter’s Syndrome.
   
   
2. The breast cancer incidence in Malaysia has been steadily increasing.
   1 in every 27 women in Malaysia are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the latest Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2012-2016. This is much higher compared to similar data published between 2007-2011.
   
   
3. Early detection can increase the chances or survival significantly.
   Early detection can ensure a higher survival rate. The 5-year survival rate for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at Stage 1 is 87.5% compared to those diagnosed with breast cancer at Stage 4, at merely 23.3%. (*Data from MySCan (Malaysian study on cancer survival)
   
   
4. Women who begin their menstrual periods before 12 are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
   This is attributed to the fact that they’re exposed to different hormones, especially oestrogen for a longer period of time. This increases the risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer.
   
   
5. Being obese or overweight can increase your risk for breast cancer.
   The presence of high amounts of fat tissue has been found to increase the level of oestrogen in the human body. The level of insulin, another type of hormone is also increased during this time and studies have shown that high levels of these hormones can increase one’s risk for different types of cancer especially breast cancer.