(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched ‘Lets Fight It Hand By Hand' campaign which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer to coincide with the international awareness month October.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women worldwide, accounting for 39 percent of all cancers among women in Qatar.
Hiba Nassar, a health educator, said, 'The risk factors of breast cancer include, family history of breast cancer, previous personal history of breast cancer etc. About five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be related to specific genes, early puberty (before age 12), and menopause (after age 55).
Also factors such as obesity, exposures to radiation, smoking, consuming alcohol, having first child after the age of 30, no pregnancy or breastfeeding and sedentary life style will increase the chances of breast cancer.
'A persistent lump in the breast that may feel different from another breast tissue , one or more lumps in the armpit, changes in breast shape or size, breast skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, hotness, visible veins or itching , nipple changes, are symptoms of breast cancer and women should seek medical attention if any of these are noticed, said Hiba.
'To reduce the risk factors of breast cancer it's advised to do regular physical activity 20-30 minutes - five days per week, maintain healthy weight, avoid smoking and drinking, breast feeding for at least six months , do regular screening, avoid exposure to radiation and avoid feminine hormones as much as you can, she said.
Women above 45 years are advised to do screening every three years as part of the national cancer awareness programme ‘Screen for Life' and appointments can be fixed by calling its hot line on 8001112.
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