There is life after Breast cancer

By Farida Mwangi

Did you know that breast cancer has outdone cancer of the cervix to become the major killer of women? That younger girls and women stand a high risk? And that breast cancer is treatable if preventive and diagnostic measures are initiated early enough?

October is the universal month of breast cancer awareness and Marhaba was honoured to talk to Dr. Fatma Khalfan Abdallah, a cancer specialist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)-Kenya’s largest referral hospital, who gave us an insight into breast cancer and steps a woman can take to detect and prevent what has become the number one silent killer among women.

“Breast Cancer is basically cancer of the breast and affects the mammary glands of women though men too are at risk,” says Dr. Fatma. “In its early stages, it begins as a painless swelling/lump on the breast that can be detected upon self examination or through examination by a doctor. It should however be clear that not all swellings are cancerous especially those that occur during adolescence.”

Interestingly, Dr. Fatma notes that in developed countries, older women are more prone to breast cancer but in Africa, more so Kenya, younger girls and women are at risk. “Lack of awareness; unavailability/lack of or expensive cancer detection services; lifestyle; environmental pollution and heredity are the main culprits that contribute to an increase in the number of breast cancer cases.”

Talking from personal experience of friends, relatives and patients who have succumbed to or live with breast cancer, Dr. Fatma acknowledges that a majority of Muslim women suffer in silence as a result of living in denial or lack awareness.

So what are some of the red flags a woman should look out for to detect breast cancer?

Unusual discharge from breast: This is usually the first sign that shows up just before the lump/swelling and comes in the form of a both breast(s).

Painless lump/swelling: This is an ‘innocent’ swelling that develops on the breast and makes one breast grow bigger than the other.

Colour change: The affected breast skin changes colour and turns ‘orange’.

Wound: This is the last stage where the swelling develops into a wound that does not heal quickly.

Though once the above have been diagnosed and confirmed as breast cancer, Dr. Fatma clarifies that it should not sound like one has been handed a death sentence. “Through proper medication and surgery, many women live to tell their story.”

According to Dr. Fatma, those under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme can access affordable and subsidised rates at the Kenyatta National Hospital though other big hospitals offer treatment.

“Thus breast cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, that is, team work because different specialists will be summoned. These are a surgeon to remove the lump/swelling, radio therapist to offer chemotherapy/radio therapy, an Oncologist and a pathologist,” says Dr. Fatma.

Since breast cancer treatment is a long term affair that can take between 1-2 years or more with chances of recurrence, Dr. Fatma urges women to initiate preventive measures early enough. These are through self examination, breast feeding, dietary changes among others.

Self Examination:

This can be done each month after the monthly cycle through examining your breasts in front of a mirror. The finger tips and palm of the hand can be used to detect any abnormality/growth on the breasts.

For those with heredity and breast cancer history in the family, frequent mammography (X-Ray) tests and annual medical tests should be performed.

Breast feeding:

The Holy Qu’ran says that women who have given birth to breast feed their babies for 2 years. This Dr. Fatma notes that is the wisdom of Allah. He has enabled our bodies to have an immune system that acts as a preventive mechanism against breast cancer. “If done well, breast feeding for 2 years lowers the risk of a mother compared to those who do it for a fewer duration, say for two months,” says Dr. Fatma.

Dietary changes:

Again Dr. Fatma refers to the Holy Quran and notes Allah’s wisdom in creating different fruits with different colours each with different nutritional values that enhances a woman’s body ability to withstand different diseases. “Take 5-9 different fruits and vegetables per day. In each of the different colours of the fruits and vegetables, Allah has created vital nutrients that enable the body fight cancerous cells.”

Whole meal flour products and consuming fish 3 times a week also plays an important role in the fight against cancer.

When asked about the fear of Muslim women being observed and attended to by male doctors, Dr. Fatma says: “It is the right of a woman to demand to be observed by a female doctor/nurse if it will make her feel comfortable. But at the same time, it can be done in the presence of her mother/husband.

However, this is no longer an excuse since we have many female Muslim doctors and nurses. In cases where health facilities are in remote areas and for the sake of health, Islam is open on this issue and allows a woman to be observed by a man.”

Another interesting revelation from Dr. Fatma to Marhaba was that as much as medicine and doctors are available, faith plays an important part in patients’ recovery. “Have faith and trust in Allah. Be positive that you will get well and you shall make it! Share encouraging words with cancer patients! Look at all cancer survivors, they are fighters-so have faith and maintain a positive attitude!”

Finally Dr. Fatma appeals for patience, understanding and support among husbands whose wives end up losing one or both breasts. “A woman suffers psychologically when she loses part of her body and this may affect her relationship with the husband. However with advancement in technology, a woman can have an implant.”

Source- www.thenewdawn.info