Fear: The Reason Many Women Still Refuse Mammograms

Fear remains one of the biggest reasons why many women shy away from mammograms and early breast cancer screenings, even though these tests are vital for early detection and effective treatment.

Dr. Azura Rozila Ahmad, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Beacon Hospital, explains that mammograms and other screening tests are not as painful or complicated as some may think.

Many women are aware of the need for screenings, but the fear of a potential cancer diagnosis holds them back from taking action.

“I also believe that other factors influencing why many are reluctant to undergo early screening include psychology, socioeconomics, and personal beliefs,” she said.

In fact, early detection through these screenings could help diagnose cancer earlier. When followed by proper treatment at hospitals, this could lead to a higher cure rate.

“Even now, many women in their 30s don’t think they can get cancer because of their relatively young age,” she said.

She said that in 2023, statistics from Beacon Hospital showed that nearly 15% of breast cancer patients were under the age of 40, which is similar to the trend observed in other countries.

“Therefore, if screening is not done and a lump has already grown and spread, treatment will then be required based on the extent of the cancer,” she said.

With advancements in medical technology, including newer treatments such as anti-HER2 therapy and immunotherapy, options for treating breast cancer have significantly improved. Additionally, innovative treatments, including clinical trials, are available at several cancer centres in Malaysia, such as Beacon Hospital.

There are women diagnosed with stage four breast cancer living more than five years due to these modern treatments.

Dr. Azura emphasises that it is important not to delay seeking medical help, as untreated cancer can grow and spread, making treatment more difficult and costly in the long run.

“Patients should not give up hope. If necessary, seek a second or third opinion to explore suitable treatment options, as there have been significant advancements in treatment and technology that are increasingly effective.”

For full article, source: Berita Harian