分类： health

When breast cancer is mentioned, the conversation often centers on women. However, clinical oncologist Dr. Nazreen Bhim emphasizes that breast cancer can affect anyone with breast tissue—including men. Globally, male breast cancer accounts for less than one percent of all cases, but its impact is equally profound. In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the numbers are similarly small, yet the challenges are significant. Dr. Bhim, who practices at Medical Associates Hospital, highlights that breast cancer is the leading cancer in TT, with male cases forming a minimal fraction of the total. Between 2015 and 2020, the national breast cancer incidence was around 75 per 100,000, with male cases making up less than one percent by international standards. Despite the low prevalence, male breast cancer presents unique challenges, including delayed diagnoses and societal stigma, making awareness crucial. Dr. Bhim, trained at the University of Cape Town and MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializes in advanced radiation therapies and palliative care. She explains that male breast cancer typically affects older men, with a median diagnosis age of 69. Symptoms often include a painless lump near the nipple, nipple retraction, or discharge. Genetic factors, particularly BRCA2 mutations, significantly increase the risk. Unlike women, male breast cancers are more often hormone-receptor positive and less likely to be triple-negative, a more aggressive form. Diagnosis involves mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy, with treatments mirroring those for women, including surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation. Dr. Bhim advocates for increased awareness, genetic testing for high-risk individuals, and rapid-access clinics to reduce diagnostic delays. She also stresses the importance of strengthening data collection to improve outcomes. While TT’s healthcare system has the core capabilities to manage male breast cancer, challenges like wait times and drug access persist. Early detection remains key, as most cases are treatable when caught early.

Breast cancer, a life-altering diagnosis, often shatters the dreams of young women, including aspirations of marriage, motherhood, and career growth. Dr. Rajen Rampaul, a breast oncologist and reconstructive surgeon, highlights the unique challenges faced by younger patients, particularly concerns about fertility, identity, and long-term plans. Unlike older women who may have already raised families, younger survivors grapple with the emotional and physical toll of treatment, including fatigue, scarring, and fertility loss, which disrupt their daily lives and responsibilities.

Dr. Rampaul emphasizes the transformative role of breast reconstruction in restoring confidence and reintegrating survivors into society. Psychological support, he notes, is equally critical, with initiatives like the Think Pink support group providing a safe space for women to share experiences and navigate their journeys. He underscores the importance of open communication with partners and family members to maintain healthy relationships during recovery.

Practical lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, are vital for reducing the risk of recurrence. Dr. Rampaul also advises regular follow-ups, adhering to international guidelines, to monitor patients’ health. For those concerned about their children’s risk of developing cancer, he recommends proper risk assessment based on family history and age.

Ultimately, Dr. Rampaul encourages survivors to embrace life fully, emphasizing that healing begins with honesty, connection, and the belief that life can be wholesome again. ‘Communication is the key,’ he says, urging patients to share their fears and seek support from loved ones and professionals.

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel like a life-altering setback, especially for women aspiring to start or expand their families. However, Dr. Rajen Rampaul, a renowned breast oncologist and reconstructive surgeon, offers a message of hope and empowerment. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Rampaul has dedicated his career to advancing women’s health and breast cancer care. As the medical director at Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialists, he leads one of the Caribbean’s premier centers for breast-related treatments, specializing in radioactive and oncoplastic surgeries—procedures recognized as the global gold standard.

Dr. Rampaul emphasizes that breast cancer does not mark the end of a woman’s dreams of motherhood. Advances in treatment and fertility preservation have made it increasingly safe for survivors to conceive and raise children. While breast cancer itself does not directly impact reproductive potential, the choice of treatment can significantly influence fertility. For instance, chemotherapy can affect ovarian cells, potentially impairing egg production, whereas radiation therapy, typically directed at the breast, does not harm fertility. Hormone therapy, however, can reduce estrogen levels, which are crucial for fertility and pregnancy.

To address these challenges, Dr. Rampaul highlights the importance of individualized fertility preservation strategies. Options include ovarian suppression, tissue freezing, and, in some cases, embryo harvesting. However, he cautions that time constraints often make embryo harvesting impractical for urgent cancer treatments. For women with hormone-positive cancers, ovarian stimulation is not recommended, but tissue freezing remains a viable option.

Pregnancy after breast cancer requires careful planning and medical supervision. Dr. Rampaul advises waiting at least five years post-treatment, though this timeline must consider the patient’s age and cancer type. Hormone-positive cancers pose a higher risk of recurrence during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen levels, whereas hormone-negative cancers do not carry this risk. Breastfeeding after treatment depends on the type of surgery and whether radiation was involved. While mastectomy or radiation may limit breastfeeding ability, it does not affect a woman’s capacity to conceive or deliver a healthy baby.

Dr. Rampaul underscores the importance of emotional and psychological support for breast cancer survivors. He encourages women to seek comprehensive counseling and utilize growing online support systems. ‘Our role as medical practitioners is to help patients achieve a full and beautiful life, which includes the possibility of motherhood,’ he says. With modern medical advancements and compassionate care, breast cancer survivors can confidently pursue their dreams of starting or growing their families.

Breast health is often perceived as a concern primarily for adult women, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. However, Dr. Rajen Rampaul, a renowned breast oncologist and reconstructive surgeon, emphasizes that awareness should begin much earlier—even in childhood. As the medical director at Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialists, Dr. Rampaul has dedicated decades to breast care and cancer treatment, advocating for a proactive approach to breast wellness. He explains that breast development in young girls, typically between ages eight and 15, is a natural part of puberty. During this period, the emergence of the breast bud, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, is a common occurrence. While these changes can cause concern among parents and young girls, Dr. Rampaul reassures that they are almost always normal and not indicative of health problems. Breast cancer, he stresses, is extraordinarily rare in this age group, with medical literature recording only isolated cases worldwide. Instead, the most common breast condition among adolescents is fibroadenoma—a benign lump that is non-cancerous and rarely a cause for concern. Dr. Rampaul underscores the importance of education and reassurance for both parents and young girls. He recommends consulting a doctor when unusual symptoms arise, not because cancer is likely, but to provide clarity and peace of mind. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging tool for this age group, as it is safe, painless, and free from radiation risks. Hormonal changes during puberty are the primary drivers of breast development and related discomforts. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can also influence breast health, causing pain and lumpiness due to erratic hormonal cycles. While family history plays a significant role in assessing breast cancer risk in adults, Dr. Rampaul assures that genetics are not a factor during puberty. He advocates for schools and communities to play a pivotal role in promoting breast-health awareness, focusing on normal development and benign conditions rather than instilling fear. Early education, he believes, empowers girls to grow into confident, informed women who are unafraid to take charge of their health.