October is observed every year around the world as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease, learn about its risk factors and symptoms, and highlight the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
Doctors say breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Various factors, including genetics and family history, age, being overweight, lack of physical activity, and some hormonal and lifestyle factors, can play a role in increasing the risk of developing the disease.
Samira Shaheer Rahimi, a gynecologist and surgeon, explains the factors that contribute to the disease:
“One of the most important risk factors is a person’s genetic background. There are also some factors that can be controlled. For example, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who are overweight can lower their risk by controlling their weight and being physically active. Age is also a risk factor for breast cancer. The risk increases as a woman gets older. When a woman goes to a clinic or hospital with a lump, there are different methods to diagnose it.”
Salam Watandar interviewed several women with breast cancer. They spoke about the problems they have faced during diagnosis and treatment, including a lack of awareness about the disease, high treatment costs, and delays in seeking medical care.
Khadija, a 50-year-old woman from Logar, says she initially did not know enough about the lump under her breast. She eventually decided to travel to Kabul for treatment, but the cost of treatment and travel delayed her visit.
She is now receiving treatment in Kabul and says that after undergoing medical examinations, doctors recommended that she undergo surgery to remove the lump.
“At first, I did not know anything. There was a lump under my breast. I showed it to several people, including our neighbor and my sister-in-law. They told me that it was nothing and that I would get better. But I was still worried, so I went to a clinic in my area. They examined me but did not say anything. Then I went to another doctor, who told me to go to Kabul. But because I did not have enough money and the treatment was expensive, I could not come. I forced my husband to borrow money and bring me to Kabul,” she adds.
Roshan Gul, another 45-year-old woman from Parwan, also shares a similar experience, showing how a lack of awareness and ignoring a lump can delay diagnosis and treatment. She says she initially felt a painless lump under her arm, but it became painful after some time.
“It has been six months since I found a lump under my arm. When I touched it, it moved from one side to another, and it did not hurt. After two months, it became painful. I went to a doctor. Before that, everyone said it was redness or a small lump. The lump became very large and hard. After receiving the vaccine, it gradually went away, but then the area under my arm became swollen, and my entire arm became affected and hard. After I finished the vaccines, I was referred to the hospital, and I am currently hospitalized,” she says.
Asefa, another 39-year-old woman from Kabul, says she visited a doctor about six months after noticing a lump in her breast and began treatment. After receiving treatment and undergoing surgery, she says her condition has improved.
“It has been six months since I noticed a lump in my breast. I went to the doctor, received seven vaccines, and eventually underwent surgery. My condition is better now,” she adds.
Mirwais Hemmat, a specialist in general surgery, says the treatment of breast cancer depends on the size of the tumor and how far the disease has progressed. He says doctors decide on the type of surgery after a physical examination and biopsy. If the tumor is small, doctors try to remove only the cancerous lump. However, in advanced cases, removing the entire breast may be necessary to save the patient’s life.
“If the tumor is small and the surgeon can preserve the breast and remove only the tumor, then only the tumor or lump is removed and the woman’s breast is preserved. But if a patient comes at a very advanced stage and the tumor has affected almost the entire breast, the entire breast is removed. My advice is that whenever a lump, hard area, or swelling appears in the breast, women should see a doctor, undergo the necessary examinations, and, if needed, be referred to a cancer treatment center,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, says breast cancer services have been launched in the country. He says 50-bed hospitals have been established in four zones of the country, while a 200-bed hospital has been established in Kabul for cancer patients.
“In four zones of the country, breast cancer services have been launched. There are 50-bed hospitals where mammography services will begin to help diagnose the disease. Our main goal is to work on preventing breast cancer and to ensure that patients can receive treatment through early diagnosis. In addition, we have a 200-bed hospital in Kabul where these services are also available. Our goal is to expand these services,” he adds.
Although breast cancer is a serious disease among women, awareness of its risk factors and attention to warning symptoms can help with early diagnosis and timely treatment.
October is not only a month for raising awareness; it is also a reminder that every woman, family, and community should take women’s health seriously, because seeking medical care on time can sometimes save a life.
Reporter: Noda Zarafshan
