Item type |
Thesis |
Subjects |
600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health > 616 Diseases |
Division/Agency |
LPPKN - National Population and Family Development Board, Malaysia: Human Resources Management Division |
Keywords |
Breast cancer, Diet, Lifestyle, Risk factors, Women |
Additional Information |
The hard copy can be refer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Library. |
Abstract |
Breast cancer is the most common cancer that has affected women all over the world. The worldwide rates of breast cancer incidence and mortality show a drastic and alarming increase. Until today the cause of the disease has yet to be identified. However, evidences from extensive researches related to breast cancer found that there were several lifestyle factors and some biomedical factors of the women that are scientifically recognized to increase the risk for breast cancer. In Malaysia, recent data obtained from data obtained from the National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB) shows the incidence rate of breast cancer among Malay women was
found to have increased drastically in the last 8 years. This study aimed to identify risk factors, especially those related to lifestyle that may increase the risk of breast cancer among Malay women in Kuala Lumpur. The study also examined the knowledge of breast cancer among informants. A total of twelve breast cancer survivors were
interviewed in depth to identify and explore aspects of past lifestyle and biomedical background that may likely to increase their risk of getting breast cancer. Results show that some lifestyle and biological risk factors seen likely to increase the risk of getting breast cancer; late age at first birth or has never given birth (nulliparity), has never
breastfed or short period of breastfed, obesity, physical inactivity, high frequency of red meat intake, less intake of vegetables and fruits, psychological stress, family history of breast cancer and radiation treatment to the chest or breast. The study also found that the majority of the informants had poor knowledge regarding breast cancer. |