Be breast aware

BREAST cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Breast self-exam is one way a woman can track any changes in her breasts, and adult women may choose to perform monthly breast self-examinations.

Even though breast self-examination is not recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer (routine mammography is recommended for breast cancer detection), every woman should become familiar with how her breasts feel and look so she can more easily identify changes she feels or sees in her breasts. If you still have menstrual periods, perform the examination a few days after your period has ended. During this time, your breasts are less tender and less lumpy. If you are not menstruating (such as after menopause), breast self-examination should be performed on the same day each month.

The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram — the screening test for breast cancer — can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Find out about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting their doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it — so you can see how important it is to make regular checks.  Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor. It’s as simple as TLC.

TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?
LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture?
CHECK anything unusual with your doctor. No one knows your body better than you and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes – there’s no special technique and you don’t need any training. It’s good to get into the habit of doing this regularly — maybe when you’re in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed in the morning.

Touch
-Can you feel a lump? Either in the breast, upper chest or armpits.
-Is there a lumpy area? Or unusual thickening of the breast tissue that doesn’t go away?
-Is there any unusual pain? Either in part of the breast or the armpit.

Look
-Any change in size or shape? For example, one breast might become larger or lower than the other.
-Any change in skin texture? Such as puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast.
-Any change in colour? For example the breast may look red or inflamed.
-What about the appearance or direction of the nipple? For example, one might become inverted (turned in) when it normally points out.
-Any unusual discharge? One or both nipples might have a discharge.
-Any rash or crusting? Of the nipple or surrounding area.

Check
-Is anything unusual? If so, get it checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.
-Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organisations, families, and individuals to get involved. – emedicinehealth.com