Fact: one in eight women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Dr Anna Sepiolo from the Dubai London Specialty Hospital, who is involved in a community initiative that promotes breast cancer awareness, says that Arab women tend to develop breast cancer at least a decade earlier than women from Western countries.
The obstetrician and gynaecologist is affiliated with the UAE-based K-Lynn Lingerie store's initiative, Take The K-Lynn Pledge that educates about the importance of mammograms. Since this month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease Dr Sepiolo answers a few questions:
Let's start with the basics, what is the purpose of breasts?
Breasts are made of fat and glands held with a delicate system of ligaments. The circulation is much the same as the rest of the body. The arteries bring fresh blood with nutrition to the cells and the veins bring the blood back from the cells along with cellular waste and toxins. The lymphatics help remove toxins.
Are toxins the start of cancerous tissue?
Yes. When these toxins are unable to exit the body, the possibility of cancer increases.
What precautionary measures do you advise?
I recommend the four-step self procedure which is a simple massage technique that can be done at home. Check this website for instructions. Although almost any gentle massage technique will help.
What kind of benefits does this provide?
The purpose is to flush fluids from the breast, bring nutrition to the tissues and remove the toxins via the lymphatic system. These techniques enhance the health and elasticity of the support ligaments too.
What else can be done?
Perform regular breast screenings - Breast Self Exam (BSE), Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) and mammography. Remember, if detected early, 98 per cent of women will survive.
To read the complete Q&A, click here. To find out about the K-Lynn Pledge log on to www.facebook.com/klynn.co.
