By Shruti Menon Seeboo
October is not just a month for awareness; it’s a critical call to action. In Mauritius, breast cancer poses a significant health challenge, with 671 new cases reported in 2022 compared to just 290 cases of prostate cancer. This stark statistic notes the urgency of addressing risk factors such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, along with the pressing need to close the care gap affecting certain communities.
In February this year, during a ceremony to launch World Cancer Day 2024 organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the WHO representative in Mauritius, Dr Anne Ancia from the WHO had stated, “Many cancers can be cured if they’re detected and treated early, before the cancerous cells can spread beyond the organs where the tumour originated.” The International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC) and WHO predict that new cancer cases worldwide will increase by 50% annually over the next 15 years, and 77% by 2050.
Breast cancer serves as a poignant example; while fatalities remained relatively unchanged during the 1980s, they began to decline significantly in the following decade due to the widespread introduction of systematic screening and early detection programs, coupled with comprehensive and timely treatment protocols. This shift transformed breast cancer from a virtual death sentence into a disease with a high survival rate when detected early.
The WHO’s commitment to supporting Mauritius in its fight against cancer is further highlighted by the Country Cooperation Strategy 2023-2026, signed in January last year, which serves as the cornerstone of the WHO’s strategy to aid Mauritius in realizing its health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LetsBe platform’s Dr. Meagan Lewis hosted a workshop on October 22 at The Loft, Nouvelle Usine, Floreal, aiming to challenge and debunk prevalent myths about breast cancer while transforming a typically serious topic into an engaging dialogue. With a focus on inclusivity, she underscored the importance of involving men in discussions about breast health, highlighting that breast cancer is not solely a women’s issue.
By sharing her expertise, Dr. Lewis sought to dispel misconceptions that have led to stigma and fear surrounding breast health. Attendees learned about the critical importance of self-examinations, the significance of understanding one’s body, and the need for regular screenings. Dr. Lewis emphasised that knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer and encouraged everyone to be proactive about their health. This workshop not only served to educate participants but also aimed to empower them to advocate for themselves and their loved ones, fostering a supportive community dedicated to increasing awareness and improving health outcomes in the face of breast cancer.
1. The myths surrounding breast cancer
Dr. Meagan Lewis approached the topic of breast cancer with a refreshing perspective. “Many doctors emphasise the standard facts: what breast cancer is, who is affected, and how it’s treated. However, I aimed to delve into the myths that frequently obscure our understanding,” she stated, quickly engaging her audience with her candid approach.
One of the first myths she addressed was the misconception that breast cancer is solely a women’s issue. “Breast cancer is not just a woman’s disease,” Dr. Lewis asserted firmly. “Men have breast tissue too and can develop breast cancer.” She emphasised the importance of involving men in these discussions, stating, “If a male family member has a history of breast cancer, it heightens the risk for other males in the family.” This critical assertion fosters an inclusive dialogue about breast cancer, extending the conversation beyond women and encouraging men to take an active role in awareness efforts.
Dr. Lewis illustrated this point with a personal anecdote from her work with an insurance company. “When reviewing medical proposals, I noticed that 99% of men leave the section on breast health blank or mark it as not applicable,” she shared. “This indicates a gap in understanding that needs to be addressed.” By shedding light on male breast cancer, Dr. Lewis invites everyone to participate in the awareness movement, fostering a community that supports all individuals impacted by this disease.
She encouraged attendees to confront these myths head-on, noting that misinformation can lead to fear and confusion. “By understanding the realities of breast cancer, we empower ourselves and our loved ones,” she added. Through her engaging presentation, she aimed to inspire action and promote a more informed dialogue about breast cancer in the community.
Dr. Lewis’s commitment to dispelling myths doesn’t stop at gender inclusivity. She also highlighted common misconceptions surrounding breast health and hygiene. “Many people believe that using antiperspirants can increase breast cancer risk,” she explained. “This is categorically untrue.” By directly addressing these fears, she aims to empower attendees with knowledge, reducing unnecessary anxiety related to their health choices.
Through her engaging style and insightful content, Dr. Lewis inspired her audience to not only seek accurate information but also to share it with others, further spreading awareness and understanding.
2. Deodorants and breast cancer risk
As the workshop progressed, Dr. Lewis tackled another prevalent myth: the belief that antiperspirants and deodorants are linked to breast cancer. “Many people believe that using antiperspirants can lead to breast cancer. This is categorically untrue,” she asserted, countering widespread fears. She explained that this myth originates from a misunderstanding about how our bodies detoxify. “You don’t sweat out toxins; you sweat out sweat. Toxins are cleared through lymphatic drainage, not through perspiration,” she clarified, effectively dispelling this concern.
Furthermore, she addressed the buzz around parabens, chemical preservatives found in many personal care products. “While there was concern that parabens mimic estrogen, the levels found in these products are negligible,” Dr. Lewis pointed out. “Most modern deodorants do not contain parabens at all.” This information reassures consumers who may feel anxious about the safety of their everyday products.
Dr. Lewis also highlighted another myth that many women encounter: the idea that wearing tight bras or clothing can lead to breast cancer. “The fit of your clothing does not affect breast health,” she noted. This myth is particularly pervasive, often perpetuated through anecdotal stories rather than scientific evidence. “The only thing tight clothing may do is make you uncomfortable,” she added with a touch of humour.
3. The impact of lifestyle choices
Moving deeper into the conversation, Dr. Lewis discussed lifestyle factors and their implications for breast cancer risk. She reassured attendees that breast implants do not inherently increase cancer risk. “Contrary to popular belief, breast implants do not increase cancer risk. They are placed behind glandular tissue and can be monitored just like any other breast tissue,” she explained, alleviating concerns for those considering or already undergoing augmentation.
Dr. Lewis then shifted the focus to genetic factors, revealing that only about 25% of breast cancer cases are attributed to hereditary influences. “The BRCA gene, known for its link to breast cancer, is just one part of the larger picture,” she explained. “Most breast cancer cases are influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and hormonal changes.” This perspective helps to demystify the overwhelming fear surrounding genetics and breast cancer.
One of her more profound points was regarding the prevalence of breast cancer. “Every minute, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Dr. Lewis stated, highlighted the importance of vigilance. “This statistic is a significant burden of disease. Awareness and education can help reduce this burden.”
4. Importance of self-exams and regular screenings
Wrapping up her talk, Dr. Lewis underscored the importance of self-exams and regular mammograms. “Knowing what is normal for your body is crucial,” she advised. “Self-exams are about understanding your baseline; they aren’t solely about detecting lumps.” This statement reinforces the idea that proactive health management is key to early detection.
She urged attendees to perform self-exams during the right times in their menstrual cycle for accurate results. “The best time for women to perform self-exams is right after their period,” Dr. Lewis noted. “Breast tissue is less dense then, making it easier to detect any changes.” By educating women on the optimal timing for self-exams, she empowers them to take charge of their health.
Dr. Lewis concluded her session by highlighting the significance of mammograms. “Current guidelines recommend that women start getting mammograms at age 40,” she stated. “However, if you have a family history or genetic predisposition, earlier screenings might be necessary.” This guidance is essential for women to understand their individual risks and the importance of early detection.
Building awareness together
In her closing remarks, Dr. Lewis emphasised the role everyone can play in increasing awareness. “Every little action counts. Just like the story of the starfish, where one act can make a difference,” she shared. “By engaging in conversations about breast cancer, we can help dismantle myths and promote understanding. Together, we can empower each other to seek knowledge and support.”
This insightful workshop not only provided clarity on common misconceptions but also reinforced the importance of community in the fight against breast cancer. Dr. Lewis’s passion for educating others was palpable, and her call to action resonated with everyone present. The journey to greater awareness and understanding of breast cancer begins with conversations like these, encouraging individuals to share knowledge and support one another.
