Understanding Early Breast Cancer
Supporting you in making informed decisions about your treatment.
“If you are invited for a mammogram, just go. If you notice anything, get it checked.”
Maimunah's story
Maimunah’s Early Breast Cancer Story
- 40 years old.
- Diagnosis:
Breast cancer diagnosis at 36 years old. - Treatments:
Underwent radiation and is currently on hormone therapy.
Sociodemographic Information:
Maimunah, 40, is a supervisor at a canning factory in Batu Caves, Selangor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36.
Diagnosis:
Maimunah’s breast cancer was discovered during a routine mammogram. “I was called back by my doctor after the mammogram showed an abnormality. I was shocked because I didn’t have any symptoms—no pain, no lumps, no changes in my body,” Maimunah recalls. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and further tests determined that she had early-stage breast cancer.
Treatment:
Her doctor recommended a treatment plan that included 15 sessions of radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells, followed by five years of hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Maimunah was prescribed tamoxifen, a common medication used in hormone therapy for breast cancer.
The Importance of Early Detection:
Reflecting on her experience, Maimunah emphasizes the importance of early detection. “I’m so grateful I went for my routine mammogram. Many people skip these check-ups, but it literally saved my life. Early detection makes all the difference.”
Throughout her treatment, she had the support of family, friends, and a breast cancer survivor who had been a great source of comfort. “The radiation didn’t cause any major side effects for me, and my breast care nurses were always there to help, which made a huge difference in my journey.”
Message for Others:
“If I hadn’t gone for my mammogram, I might not have known I had cancer,” Maimunah reflects. “I encourage everyone, regardless of age or symptoms, to get regular check-ups. Early detection is crucial in improving treatment outcomes.”
Maimunah, 40, is a supervisor at a canning factory in Batu Caves, Selangor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36.
Diagnosis:
Maimunah’s breast cancer was discovered during a routine mammogram. “I was called back by my doctor after the mammogram showed an abnormality. I was shocked because I didn’t have any symptoms—no pain, no lumps, no changes in my body,” Maimunah recalls. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and further tests determined that she had early-stage breast cancer.
Treatment:
Her doctor recommended a treatment plan that included 15 sessions of radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells, followed by five years of hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Maimunah was prescribed tamoxifen, a common medication used in hormone therapy for breast cancer.
The Importance of Early Detection:
Reflecting on her experience, Maimunah emphasizes the importance of early detection. “I’m so grateful I went for my routine mammogram. Many people skip these check-ups, but it literally saved my life. Early detection makes all the difference.”
Throughout her treatment, she had the support of family, friends, and a breast cancer survivor who had been a great source of comfort. “The radiation didn’t cause any major side effects for me, and my breast care nurses were always there to help, which made a huge difference in my journey.”
Message for Others:
“If I hadn’t gone for my mammogram, I might not have known I had cancer,” Maimunah reflects. “I encourage everyone, regardless of age or symptoms, to get regular check-ups. Early detection is crucial in improving treatment outcomes.”
This Is an Alert
*The patient stories featured on this website are created for educational purposes and are inspired by common experiences faced by breast cancer patients. These stories are meant to help others better understand the challenges, decisions, and emotions that individuals affected by breast cancer may go through. To protect privacy, any identifying details have been removed or changed. The medical conditions, treatments, and outcomes described are generalized and should not be considered medical advice. For guidance tailored to your personal health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
How Do You Feel?
Like Maimunah, many Malaysian women are also facing or have faced breast cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may experience many emotions, from sadness and anger to anxiety. You may feel confused and unsure of what to do.
Experiencing these emotions is completely normal.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may experience many emotions, from sadness and anger to anxiety. You may feel confused and unsure of what to do.
Experiencing these emotions is completely normal.
Navigating Your Way Forward
It’s Okay to Have Questions
Are there other ways of treating breast cancer besides surgery?
Am I going to die?
Why did I get breast cancer?
Can I try traditional therapy?
What will my husband say when he finds out?
Must I go for surgery?
How long will I live?
Will my children get breast cancer too?
Will I lose my hair with chemo?
Make sure to discuss your concerns or questions with your doctor. Your doctor will be familiar with your medical history and situation, and is qualified to provide you with the answers you need.
Feel free to make notes of your questions so you have them handy during your appointment.
Feel free to make notes of your questions so you have them handy during your appointment.
1 in 20
What Is Early Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer Is …
the most common cancer among women in Malaysia and around the world. Did you know that 1 in 20 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime?
How Does This Happen?
Cells in our body turn abnormal and start to grow out of control. In breast cancer, these abnormal cells grow in the breast to become a lump.
Is the Cancer Your Fault?
NO ! Cancer Is Not Your Fault.
There are several factors that can put you at risk of getting breast cancer such as:
- Genetic Makeup: Having close relatives (like your mother, sister or aunt) who have breast, ovarian or other cancers.
- Lifestyle Choices: Putting on weight (particularly after menopause), being overweight or obese, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to high-dose radiation such as radiotherapy.
There are several factors that can lower your risk of getting breast cancer, such as:
- Reproductive Choices: Having children or having children at a younger age, breastfeeding your children.
- Lifestyle Choices: Exercising regularly
It is important to understand that there is often no specific cause that can be found.
When Do Women Usually Discover That They Have Breast Cancer?
When discovering a lump in the breast
When at a mammogram screening
When there is discharge from the nipple
What Happens to People Who Have Breast Cancer?
Most breast cancer will double in size over 3 to 6 months.
If left untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body within two years. With the right treatment, this can be prevented.
If left untreated, most women can live for another 2 to 3 years only. With the right treatment, 9 out of 10 women will survive for over 10 years.
Alternative treatment, also known as complementary therapies, may not necessarily work. Be careful that some people and companies may make all kinds of claims, but most of the time, these alternative treatments do not work.
If left untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body within two years. With the right treatment, this can be prevented.
If left untreated, most women can live for another 2 to 3 years only. With the right treatment, 9 out of 10 women will survive for over 10 years.
Alternative treatment, also known as complementary therapies, may not necessarily work. Be careful that some people and companies may make all kinds of claims, but most of the time, these alternative treatments do not work.
Breast Cancer Is Usually Painless.
As such, it is important for you to do your regular screenings.
