EARLY detection means better chances of survival and less complexity in treatment where cancer is concerned.
However, in Malaysia, breast cancer is often detected at late stages as women either put off screening or choose to ignore the early signs or symptoms of the disease.
Natasha David is the exception to the rule. For the 50-year-old lawyer, who is head of the legal department at an engineering firm, one of the first signs of cancer in her body was pain in her left arm which travelled right up to her shoulder.
Like most people, she initially didn't associate that pain with cancer, putting it down to work strain and long hours at the computer.
But when Natasha eventually felt a lump, the size of a marble on her left breast, she took immediate action.
Unlike many women, she didn't delay seeking a diagnosis or choose to ignore the lump, hoping it would go away.
The lump in her breast was confirmed to be cancerous and another, smaller lump, was also detected at her armpit, which was causing the pain in her arm.
"My cancer was at stage 2A, an early stage, and even though it was a very curable stage, there were still many difficult decisions to be made as it was a vigorous cancer," says Natasha.
During the diagnosis, she remained calm because she had already suspected cancer, but her sister, who accompanied her, was already sobbing.
TAKING ACTION
Natasha, the second of three siblings, who is unmarried and lives with her elderly parents, says she has always been a resilient person, someone who likes to be in control of her life.
Nevertheless, she knew she had to be prepared for the challenging journey ahead.
"I know how prevalent cancer is today, so I didn't ask the 'why me' question. I accepted that it was my turn to go through it, and I had to do whatever necessary to recover."
She bravely faced up to the changes in her body as a result of treatment, including persistent diarrhoea, hair loss, skin breakouts and pigmentation problems. She had her once long hair cut and bought a wig, one that resembled her own hair.
"I wanted to look normal when I went to church or out with my family. Not sick and frail. That was important to me."
Natasha, who is still undergoing treatment, says the one thing that has changed is the fact that she takes things more lightly now.
She used to be a workaholic and her approach to everything was extremely meticulous. She always felt the need to be in control of things. That has since changed.
"I realise now it's all right to hold back. Not everything has to be attended to immediately."
Natasha has also made a conscious effort to share her cancer journey with others in the hopes of encouraging awareness and early detection among more women.
She says it makes a difference when patients themselves share their experiences, challenges and positive outcomes as it resonates with those who are newly diagnosed or individuals in the midst of treatment.
She is particularly keen to create awareness of breast cancer among women in the Tamil-speaking community to encourage more of them to come forward for early screening and detection.
She is even planning to craft TikTok videos to share her experience and reach more women.
"Early detection and treatment saves lives and I want that message to come through."
DELAYS IN DETECTION
IN Malaysia, awareness and knowledge of breast cancer doesn't translate into action, says Beacon Hospital consultant medical oncologist Dr Azura Rozila Ahmad.
This is the main reason for late detection (stage 3 or 4) of breast cancer in the country, despite the fact that the disease is striking younger women these days.
Dr Azura says women who find a lump in their breast may mistake it for something else, or choose to ignore it hoping it will go away. Only when symptoms progress and become impossible to ignore do they seek medical help.
Cultural taboos are also at play, she adds, as the breast is seen as an intimate organ, so for some women, doing breast self-examinations or talking about changes in their breast, even to friends and family, is not something they find easy.
In some cases, when they raise concerns about changes to their breast, family members may dismiss it or assure them that it's "normal" or nothing to worry about.
"But the longer you wait, the harder the cancer becomes to treat," says Dr Azura.
The fear of losing their breast and the worry over how their husbands would perceive them also keeps certain women from coming for screening or accessing treatment, even when they see suspicious signs.
Social media is also rife with misinformation about cancer, including breast cancer, and many of the individuals spreading misinformation come across as very convincing, adds Dr Azura.
This is dangerous as it too hampers early detection and prevents women from accessing appropriate treatment which could ultimately save their lives.
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