Chairmaine Gauci

The breast cancer awareness month is an annual international health campaign held throughout October to raise awareness on breast care. During this month the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate joins the rest of the world to encourage women to be breast aware. There are five simple steps:

  1. Know what is normal for your breasts;
  2. Know what to look and feel for;
  3. Look and feel;
  4. Report any changes to the  doctor immediately;
  5. Attend screening when called for.

 

This awareness is for all women since breast cancer can affect any woman. However there are certain risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer:

  • Getting older – 80% of breast cancer cases are in postmenopausal women;
  • Having a significant family history of breast cancer, which may be associated with inherited gene mutations;
  • Having no children or women who have their first child later on in life;
  • Starting your periods early or going through the menopause late;
  • Certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used over a prolonged period;
  • Being overweight;
  • Drinking excess alcohol.