Why are Malaysian women presenting at such a late stage?
Although it is not entirely reflective of the whole Malaysian population, the results of the UMMC breast clinic experience have raised a big question. Why are women, even in urban areas, presenting at such a late stage? The researchers postulate that the main reason is FEAR and IGNORANCE! Only 2% practise self breast examination (from a study in their well womens clinic) regularly and even fewer women go for screening mammography! As we know, mammography can pick up lesions even before they can be felt. When a woman finds a breast lump, she is usually too frightened to see the doctor. She does not realise that 9 out of 10 breast lumps are NOT cancer. In addition, many times, the woman just has lumpiness of the breast but no real lump. This can be diagnosed by clinical examination by an experienced doctor or health provider. When in doubt, the woman will be referred to the radiologist, either for a mammogram or an ultrasound or both depending on the age of the patient. It may be anecdot
