<p>Early detection of Breast Cancer can save lives. To create awareness and to debunk myths regarding Breast Cancer, the specialists at the Aga Khan University Hospital conducted a Facebook Live session to answer queries of the general public. The expert panel included: </p><div>Dr. Munira Moosajee – Associate Professor, Oncology</div><div>Dr. Lubna Vohra – Assistant Professor, Surgery </div><div>Dr. Hamida Farazdaq – Senior Instructor, Family Medicine</div><div>Dr. Gulnaz Shafqat – Assistant Professor, Radiology</div><div>
</div><div>The session started with the panel highlighting the symptoms of Breast Cancer. While family history in Breast Cancer plays a role, most cases of breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. It is therefore important to know your family history but be aware of any changes in the breast that should be brought to the notice of the doctors. In addition, it is important to know that trauma, extensive use of mobile phones or laptops, use of deodorants or particular foods do not lead to breast cancer, and neither is loss of appetite an indication of the disease.</div><div>
</div><div>Obesity, hormone replacement therapy and females who may have had extended treatment to cure fertility issues may be at a higher risk of breast cancer. It is advised, that females over the age of 40 years must get a yearly mammogram. During the session, another myth that was challenged was that getting a mammogram done may have side effects and the radiation may cause breast cancer. This is not true, and research clearly indicates that the benefits of getting a mammogram done and catching the disease in its infancy stage, far outweigh any side effects of the very minimal radiation a person is exposed to during a mammogram. At the Aga Khan University Hospital, we have the most advanced machines which produce minimum amount of radiations and they do not harm you in any way. </div><div>
</div><div>If you notice a change in the shape and size of your breasts, notice a lump in your breast or your underarm or have been getting a bloody discharge from your nipples you must not panic, but must go to a physician who knows how to examine your breasts. The doctor may ask you to get a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound done to rule out cancer. In case cancer is indicated in diagnostic reports, early detection helps dramatically with treatment success, so it is best to not ignore or delay diagnosis. At the Live session, doctors urged that after the age of 20, a female must self-examine her breasts and bring any changes to the doctor's notice. In addition, a trained physician must clinically examine the breast, and after the age of 40, it is best to get an annual mammogram done.</div><div>
</div><div>Remember, early detection of breast cancer can save lives! </div><div>
</div><div>The complete Facebook Live session can be viewed on: </div><div>
</div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AKUHPakistan/videos/vb.111841388922530/412673702956919/?type=2&theater%C2%A0">https://www.facebook.com/AKUHPakistan/videos/vb.111841388922530/412673702956919/?type=2&theater </a></div><div>
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