Do hormones have a role in developing breast cancer?

 

The Breast Imaging Center at Makati Medical Center features advanced technology to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.

There are two hormones responsible for ensuring that a woman’s reproductive system does its job well. The first is estrogen, which regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy; and the other one is progesterone, which thickens the lining of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg and is key to breasts producing milk. Together, they are also known for regulating mood, maintaining bone health, and contributing to brain function.

Hormone therapy has also shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer recurrence and improve survival rates.

But prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, or a high level of these hormones in the system, increases a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer because they fuel the growth of hormone-sensitive or hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.

“Hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells contain hormone receptors—estrogen receptors or ERs, and progesterone receptors or PRs. These receptors are proteins that activate when hormones bind to them,” explains Melodie Grace M. Remorca, MD from the Breast Imaging Center of top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Once activated, these receptors affect specific genes, which, in turn, stimulate cell growth.”

Once thought to be caused by genetics (actress Angelina Jolie famously underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 after learning she had the mutated BRCA1 gene, which puts her at risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer) or unhealthy lifestyle practices, the disease can be triggered by hormones too. About 2 out of 3 breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, says the American Cancer Society.

Hormone-sensitive breast cancer is treated with hormone therapy, which works by reducing the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body, or by preventing hormones from binding to the receptors on cancer cells.

“Depending on the type of hormone therapy, this protocol can also slow the growth of cancer that has spread, and lower the risk of cancer developing in other breast tissue,” the doctor says. Used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, hormone therapy can be given prior to surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier for doctors to remove. When given after surgery, a patient takes it for at least five years.

If you note any symptoms of breast cancer (a lump in your breast, nipple inversion or discharge, changes in the size or shape of your breast), see a specialist immediately for an initial screening.

Hailed as the pioneer in breast imaging in the Philippines, the Breast Imaging Center at MakatiMed has offered cutting-edge and cost-effective breast cancer imaging services since 1993—from the digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) to breast ultrasound (sonomammogram).

Run by an all-women team of breast radiologists, specialized radiologic technologists, specialty-trained nurses, and admin staff, the clinic also conducts ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, stereotactic core needle biopsy, wire needle localization, cyst aspiration, fine needle aspiration biopsy, biopsy clip placement, and galactography (a medical imaging procedure used to visualize the milk ducts of the breast).

High-tech imaging and interventional procedures can determine whether you do have breast cancer, and the appropriate steps to address it.

“Hormone therapy is regarded as an effective approach to treating hormone-sensitive breast cancer. It has also shown to reduce the incidence of recurrence and improve survival rates,” shares Dr. Remorca. “Of course, the type and stage of the cancer and a patient’s overall health ultimately play a role in a patient’s prognosis, so early detection is still crucial to a favorable outcome.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

AVON’s Pink Light Night Run and Walk for Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer remains to be the top causes of death among Filipinas. In fact, according to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, 1 in 13 Filipinas will most likely develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

The rate is so alarming that even the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society also reported a data [February 2017] which showed the Philippines having the highest prevalence of breast cancer among 197 countries. The said statistics clearly showed that we still need to educate women on the importance of early detection as the best way to beat the disease as well as breast self-examination.

Breast cancer is curable when detected early. That’s why as women, we should all do a regular breast self-exam and take action for your own breast health. 

AVON Philippines will not take this issue sitting down. A well-known advocate against breast cancer and other women-related issues, AVON believes that no woman should be left in the dark about breast cancer any longer. As the leading corporate supporter of the cause, the company teams up with Color Manila for the upcoming Pink Light Night Run and Walk for Breast Cancer 2019 to raise awareness on the disease, and the breast self-exam as the surest means to detect it early. 

Manila Medical Center’s Campaign against Breast Cancer: Fighting the Big C with Early Detection

Let's all fight against Breast Cancer! Have yourself checked!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Filipino women, with one in every thirteen women get diagnosed by the time they turn 40. It is also the leading cause of death among women worldwide and is the most prevalent in the Philippines. Statistics reveal that one of every four women diagnosed with breast cancer die within the first five years. 

Despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and management in recent decades, Filipino women are diagnosed each day and more will lose their lives to the said disease in the next couple of years. Raising awareness is an important part of reducing the impact of breast cancer on Filipino women and families. Manila Medical Center (Manila Med) acknowledges the need for early detection because this is the best way we could all fight against breast cancer. 

Unfortunately, like most Filipinos, we're the type who would only bother to visit the hospital and have ourselves checked if and when "may nararamdaman na." But most of the time, most of us would really avoid going to the hospital and seeing a physician. We fear of finding out that we're not in good health as we thought or we fear the expenses of having to undergo treatment. 

This entire month of October, Manila Medical Center invites all Filipino women to take time out to make sure family, friends and loved ones are well informed, and to ensure those affected know they are not alone in their breast cancer journey. Everyone should also take this opportunity to have their breast check-up for their own peace of mind. After all, early detection is the key against the Big C. Breast cancer awareness and early detection give women a higher chance of beating the disease. 

Dr. Dennis Sacdalan, Head Cancer Unit of Manila Medical Center

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special time to acknowledge and support the many women and families across the country affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month originated in the United States back in the 80’s and the month of October is now internationally recognized for breast cancer awareness.

The pink ribbon connotes Breast Cancer Awareness