Decoding breast cancer realities

Updated December 1, 2023

Healthcaretoday, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer care, cancer deaths, cancer prevention, anti-HER2 therapy, cancer diagnosis, cancer cures, breast lump, menopausal women, breast care, cancer awareness, fighting cancer, cancer survivor, cancer caregivers, HER2 positive breast cancer, Dr Yap Beng Khiong,

By Dr Yap Beng Khiong
Consultant Clinical Oncologist,
Ramsay Subang Jaya Medical Centre

Malaysia witnesses an annual occurrence of 8,418 new breast cancer cases, averaging 23 new cases per day. Notably, a higher incidence is observed among the Chinese population, followed by Malays and Indians. The challenging aspect of late-stage presentations is notable among Malay patients, attributed to psychosocial factors, cultural beliefs, and a preference for alternative medicine.

Regarding late presentations and the influence of urbanization, delayed diagnoses of breast cancer lead to dire consequences, correlating with compromised outcomes in late-stage presentations. However, amidst these concerns, urbanization plays a pivotal role by providing improved access to treatment, serving as a beacon of hope in this medical landscape.

HER2-positive breast cancer
HER2-positive breast cancer emerges as a key focus, constituting 25-30% of all breast cancer cases in Malaysia—slightly higher than the global average of 20-25%. The significance of HER2, a protein overexpressed by cancer cells, attributes its presence to heightened aggressiveness, recurrence rates, and metastasis.

Encouragingly, advancements in anti-HER2 targeted therapy over the past 15 years have showcased substantial progress in reducing cancer recurrence and enhancing survival rates, applicable across early and advanced breast cancer stages.

While initial therapies aim to block feeding hormones, prolonged efficacy remains a challenge. However, the introduction of anti-HER2 therapy post-surgery showcased a 20-25% reduction in recurrence rates and a noteworthy 10% improvement in survival. Notably, in advanced stage 4 breast cancer, this therapy exhibited a remarkable 40% risk reduction in mortality.

Diverse presentations and early detection
Although lumps remain the most common indicator, alternative symptoms often indicate underlying issues. Cancer, though small, manifests through symptoms associated with affected organs, such as swollen arms due to lymph node involvement or neurological symptoms indicative of brain metastasis.

Underlining the paramount importance of timely clinical examination for persistent symptoms lasting over two to three months is the necessity of proper education on self-examination techniques for effective early detection.

Highlighting the urgency of early presentation, early detection proves crucial in successful breast cancer treatment. This elucidates the shift from curative to incurable stages when cancer extends beyond the breast and regional nodes. Urging prompt medical intervention during curative stages underscores the pivotal significance of early presentations in reshaping treatment outcomes.

It is pivotal to stress the importance of timely intervention and innovative therapies in shaping a brighter prognosis.