Action Over Fear: A Sit Down With Breast Cancer Expert

The Basics: Busting the Misconceptions

PM: What is your main focus in women’s health?

VW: I’m a clinician and health content creator focusing mainly on women’s health. My goal is to translate complex medical terms into simple, easy-to-understand language. Like talking to a friend.

I want to give value through knowledge.

PM: What are the biggest misconceptions the public holds about breast cancer?

VW: The biggest one I’ve seen is the belief that only women get breast cancer. That’s not true. While the highest percentage of patients are women, we do see men in rare circumstances. Also, people still feel like cancer is a death sentence, which instills fear.

PM: Is breast cancer a death sentence?

VW: Absolutely not. When caught early, a person can be saved. We have many treatment methods, and people need to move away from that mentality of fear.

What You Can’t Change and What You Can

PM: What are the primary risk factors we can’t change?

VW: The number one risk is age. Most diagnoses occur in older women, usually above 50 years. This is due to more hormone exposure and gene mutation as one gets older. Family history is another risk factor, especially if a first-generation relative had the cancer.

PM: How does a woman’s reproductive history affect her risk?

VW: Getting your period early (before age 12) or experiencing late menopause increases the risk. This is because of longer exposure to estrogen. Conversely, having a child reduces your risk because pregnancy and breastfeeding lower estrogen levels.

PM: Beyond genetics, what lifestyle factors significantly impact your risk?

VW: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking predispose you to breast cancer and many other diseases. A lot of physical movement also helps.

PM: Who should consider genetic testing?

VW: It’s particularly valuable for people who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The BRCA mutation is a common cause of breast cancer and is often passed down. Genetic testing is important for early detection and helps with early treatment and prevention.

Take Action: Early Detection Steps

PM: What are the key signs people should look for during a self-exam?

VW: You should look for a lump or thickening in your breasts, a change in breast size, dimpling around the breast area, nipple retraction, or nipple discharge.

PM: What are the screening recommendations for someone with a high risk?

VW: Individuals at a higher risk should start undergoing mammograms and breast ultrasounds at age 30. Consistent checkups are essential.

PM: For the average person, what self-care is recommended?

VW: A monthly self-breast exam is recommended. Women should also schedule an annual check-up with their doctor.

PM: What is the biggest barrier to early screening you’ve witnessed?

VW: The biggest challenge isn’t even cost. It is fear. Misinformation that cancer is a death sentence instills this fear. We need to normalize the conversation.

PM: How can we reduce this fear and stigma?

VW: By widely sharing survivor stories to inspire and give hope. Social media campaigns have helped a lot in this.

PM: A message for the youth?

VW: Awareness is powerful, but it is action that saves lives. Having the information isn’t enough; you must take action. You can know how to do a self-exam, but not doing it won’t help you. If you are a survivor, share your story. It could save a life.

An incredibly insightful session with Valentine Gathoni Waiguru! We’ve successfully busted the myth that only women get breast cancer. Sorry, gentlemen, you’re not entirely off the hook!

This session also put to rest the notion that a diagnosis is game over. Remember that while you can’t edit your genes or rewind the clock, you absolutely can boot alcohol and cigarettes out of your life, get your body moving.

Make friends with your own breasts and chest. So, next time you’re contemplating a couch marathon, think of Valentine and choose the self-exam instead. As she reminds us, awareness is powerful, but action saves lives!

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