Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. In 2005, 502,000 women worldwide died from breast cancer, and there were 1,200,000 new cases annually. In Thailand, according to cancer statistics from 1998-2000, there were 5,854 new cases, ranking second after cervical cancer, with a continuously increasing trend. The National Cancer Institute predicts that in 2008, new breast cancer cases will increase to 12,000, becoming the number one cancer, surpassing cervical cancer (information from the Ministry of Public Health).
Breast Care Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital therefore joins the campaign to raise awareness for all Thai women to correctly perform self-examinations for abnormalities. If any abnormalities are suspected, please see a doctor as soon as possible. The following are details of who is at risk for breast cancer:
- Women aged 35 years and older
- Having a maternal family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Postmenopausal women who have received hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years
- Having the first menstruation before age 12 or menopause after age 50
- Using contraceptive pills from a young age and continuously for a long time
