More Than Looks – The Truth About Breast Cancer

The truth about mastectomy reassures women that breast cancer treatment options can preserve both their health and their confidence

In today’s world, where breast size often defines societal standards of attractiveness and beauty, it's important for women to shift their focus toward something far more crucial—the health of their breasts. Many women remain concerned about appearance and "cup size," but overlooking the threat of breast cancer can have serious consequences. It’s time to prioritize health over looks and embrace early detection, prevention, and treatment. Gleneagles Hospital Johor is committed to spreading awareness this Pink October, guiding you on your journey to understanding and conquering breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Malaysia. Yet, one of the most common questions asked when a diagnosis is made is, “Can I avoid removing my breast?”

Dr. Leong Ai Chen, Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, stresses that breast removal surgery (mastectomy) does not significantly affect a woman’s appearance. She urges women not to feel that losing a breast equates to losing their beauty, femininity, or self-worth. Instead, they should prioritize saving their lives by following the advice of their doctors, including undergoing tumor removal or mastectomy when necessary.

At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Dr. Leong Ai Chen and the expert medical team ensure that each patient receives personalized, compassionate care tailored to their specific needs. October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as **Pink October**, and it’s an opportunity to educate, prevent, and treat breast cancer. Join Dr. Leong as she sheds light on breast cancer, offering insight into early detection, treatment options, and ways to maintain a positive outlook.

Dr. Leong Ai Chen Explains: Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer

How many stages of breast cancer are there, and can it be detected early?

 According to Dr. Leong Ai Chen, breast cancer is categorized into four stages. Early detection is crucial, and it can indeed be found in its initial stages. The earlier it's detected, the higher the chance of survival. Regular self-examinations are the first step. If you notice unusual lumps, skin discoloration, abnormal nipple conditions, or discharge, seek medical advice at Gleneagles Hospital Johor immediately. For women over 40, Dr. Leong recommends regular mammograms, as routine blood tests cannot detect breast cancer.

What are the common symptoms of breast cancer? 

Breast cancer does not usually cause pain, making it harder to detect based on discomfort alone. Dr. Leong advises paying attention to visual changes in the breast, as some may mistakenly attribute redness or skin changes to minor skin conditions rather than suspecting cancer.

What are the chances of surviving breast cancer?

Through proper medical intervention at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, patients diagnosed in the early stages can have a five-year survival rate of 85% to 90%. However, if cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, treatment becomes more challenging, reducing survival rates.

What are the treatment options available at Gleneagles Hospital Johor?

Dr. Leong Ai Chen explains that breast cancer treatments typically include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and hormone medications. Surgical options can vary from partial to full mastectomy, depending on the case. Gleneagles Hospital Johor offers comprehensive treatment plans for each individual, ensuring that every patient receives the best care for their specific condition.

Who is at high risk of developing breast cancer?

Dr. Leong points out that women who have never given birth or those who gave birth at a later age are at higher risk. Other high-risk groups include women with a family history of breast cancer, those who have taken birth control for extended periods, obese individuals, smokers, and post-menopausal women. The Breast Clinic at Gleneagles Hospital Johor encourages women in these risk categories to schedule regular check-ups and mammograms.

Does breastfeeding affect the risk of breast cancer? Can breast cancer survivors still breastfeed?

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Leong assures that breast cancer survivors who retain one breast may still breastfeed after completing their treatment and receiving medical clearance from the specialists at Gleneagles Hospital Johor.

Does breast size affect the likelihood of developing cancer?

Dr. Leong clarifies that breast size has no correlation with cancer risk. However, larger breasts may make it more difficult to detect lumps due to higher fatty tissue content, but this can be mitigated through regular mammograms at Gleneagles Hospital Johor’s advanced diagnostic facilities.

Does wearing a tight or ill-fitting bra cause breast cancer?

There is no medical evidence to suggest that an ill-fitting bra causes breast cancer. Dr. Leong emphasizes that focusing on regular self-exams and clinical screenings at Gleneagles Hospital Johor is far more important than worrying about undergarments.

Where does breast cancer typically spread?

Dr. Leong notes that breast cancer commonly spreads to the lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Patients at Gleneagles Hospital Johor are provided with personalized follow-up care to monitor for recurrence or spread. Survivors are advised to undergo regular screenings, as their risk of developing cancer in the other breast doubles.

How should breast cancer patients approach treatment at Gleneagles Hospital Johor?

Dr. Leong emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook during treatment. With the comprehensive care and advanced treatment options offered at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, patients are encouraged to follow their doctor’s recommendations and keep emotional stress at bay. Support from family, especially spouses, is vital in helping patients stay motivated throughout their treatment journey.

Does breast augmentation affect cancer detection?

Non-essential breast augmentation surgeries may carry legal and medical risks. Dr. Leong explains that silicone implants can hinder the accuracy of self-exams and may complicate ultrasound readings. At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, specialists ensure thorough diagnostics for all patients, including those with implants.

Will a mastectomy lead to noticeable asymmetry, and how can patients maintain their appearance?

While asymmetry is a concern for some, Dr. Leong reassures that it affects only a small percentage of patients. Specialized bras and prosthetics are available at Gleneagles Hospital Johor to help patients maintain their desired appearance after surgery.

Early Detection Saves Lives—Trust Gleneagles Hospital Johor for Your Breast Cancer Care

Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Dr. Leong Ai Chen and her dedicated team provide exceptional care for breast cancer patients, offering the latest in diagnostic and treatment options. Pink October is the perfect time to prioritize breast health by scheduling a consultation, learning about preventive measures, and staying vigilant in the fight against breast cancer.

By focusing on early detection, treatment, and recovery, Gleneagles Hospital Johor is committed to helping women overcome breast cancer, maintain their self-esteem, and most importantly—save lives

Take the first step towards breast cancer awareness this Pink October at Gleneagles Hospital Johor!