October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among Armenian women with an increasing number of cases among young women. Up to 1,400 breast cancer cases emerge every year in Armenia, making breast cancer a vital issue in our society.
Breast cancer awareness is crucial for promoting early detection and encouraging regular screenings, according to Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) senior Vera Minassyan. Education about risk factors, symptoms, and available resources helps empower individuals to take charge of their breast health.
A recent study by the National Library of Medicine states that “statistics are particularly concerning among Armenian women ages 15–49: In this age group, breast cancer leads to almost three times more deaths compared to the global average (14% of deaths here versus 5% worldwide)”.
In the U.S., for example, statistics show that 1 in 40 women (2.5%) are diagnosed with breast cancer, and the 5-year survival rate is 91.2%. Since 1989, breast cancer death rates have gradually declined, amounting to a total reduction of 42% through 2021. The American Cancer Society attributes this drop to earlier detection through screening, greater awareness, and improved treatment options.
Additionally, Armenia now ranks fourth worldwide in breast cancer mortality rates, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced awareness and prevention. Moreover, the study concluded that “compared to global breast cancer mortality rates, Armenia’s breast cancer mortality rate is 41% higher.”
Dr. Nune Khachatryan, a doctor-radiologist at the Armenian American Wellness Center, receives women of different ages at the clinic, noticing a pattern of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer. “Currently, the youngest girl who is undergoing treatment and receiving chemotherapy at our center is a 20-year-old who had detected a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer,” she says.
A vital issue, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors that could increase the probability of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer. “One of the main risk factors for breast cancer for all women is family history, especially in young women,” Dr. Khachatryan explains.
According to her, the risk group includes women whose family members have had a history of not only breast cancer but also female-related cancers or males with prostate cancer, which could increase their likelihood of breast cancer.
In addition, Minassyan mentions that genetic mutations can increase the risk of breast cancer among women. She suggests that genetic testing may be recommended for individuals with a family history of cancer.
Another risk group includes those who have had abortions or miscarriages, Dr. Khachatryan says. This also increases the probability of developing breast cancer, as well as chest trauma and hormonal changes.
However, these are not the only cases that dictate whether or not a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Unfortunately, the Armenian American Wellness Center receives patients aged 20 to 30 who fall into none of these risk groups. “Recently, we had a case involving a 33-year-old woman who was five weeks pregnant,” Dr. Khacharyan explains. “She, too, had felt a lump in her breast, came to the clinic, and discovered that she was diagnosed with cancer.”
While the number of cases among young women in Armenia continues to increase, there is no explanation for the reason behind this. “It could be air pollution, poor food quality, stress, or even the 2020 war, all of which have contributed to the rise in breast cancer cases,” Dr. Khachatryan suggests.
A woman’s lifestyle choices and diet can influence the risk of developing breast cancer. Minassyan suggests that the combination of healthy nutrition rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol plays a crucial role in overall breast health.
Having said that, it is crucial for young women to have annual examinations. Breast cancer is diagnosed through a combination of methods including mammographic or sonographic (ultrasound) examination. These can be found in medical centers in Armenia.
Moreover, if these two are insufficient, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually done.
For early detection and prevention of breast cancer, medical experts recommend ultrasound examination at the age of 30, mammography starting at the age of 40, and MRI for younger patients.
Dr. Khachatryan advises women to conduct examinations between the 5th and 12th days of their menstrual cycle to achieve accurate results, especially when examining tumors.
When cancer is detected early, it has a higher chance of being successfully treated. In the face of rising breast cancer cases among Armenian women, especially the young, awareness and early detection must become top priorities for women. Armenian women are encouraged to make annual checkups a part of their routine, as regular screenings are essential in catching breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
