October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, affecting 1 in 12-15 women. Latest studies are encouraging women to be breast aware as opposed to doing regular breast self examinations, which is no longer considered to be an effective method of reducing breast cancer mortality.
Whilst breast examination involved strictly taught routine that was performed monthly,a t the same period, being breast aware doesnt involve any routine.
Being breast aware essentially means knowing whats normal for you,hence enabling you to spot unusual changes and seeking medical opinion quickly. Make checking your breasts part of your daily routine,whilst in the shower, lying in bed or getting dressed. Know how your breasts feels.
Our breasts are influenced
by hormone levels which fluctuate at different stages of our lives,during our menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breastfeeding,and after menopause.
What to look for:
- Changes in size-though its normal for one breast to be larger than the other
- Change in position: Suddenly appearing to be lower
- Nipple changes-Inversion of nipple or discharge
- New lump or increased lumpiness
- Pain in breast or armpit- not linked with menstrual and which wont go away.
- Skin changes-dimpling,puckerig,redness
If you are called for screening,please take up the opportunity.
Screening for breast cancer will allow early detection and hence maximise treatment.
Breast screening is done via mammography. Simply its an xray of your breast tissue.
An ultrasound mammogram maybe done if your breast tissues are very dense or you have overall lumpy breast.
When to have it?
Between 40-70yrs old. Every 2 yrs.Why after 40…because breast cancer is more predominant in this age grp.Rare in younger woman. But if you have a mother or sister with breast cancer than you should go for screening earlier.Age 35.
Screening of any cancer is not 100% fullproof. Occasionally the cancer cells are so small, they are undetectable.
Hence if even if the results of your screening gives you the all clear.Please take note of any abnormal vaginal bleeding,most notably post coital bleeding. Be aware of your breasts.Occasionally touch and be sensitive to any lumps.
Mammograms can cause some discomfort. But isn’t the peace of mind worth some discomfort? No pain,no gain.
Remember 5 points:
- Know whats normal for you.
- Be aware of changes
- Look and feel
- Seek medical opinion
- Attend the breast screening when invited
- To keep our body healthy is an Ibadah,a form of worship.
Also, some other resources that can help educate you and your loved ones more about breast cancer from the US National Library of Medicine. Click here.
