Are you breast aware?

Heart Talk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

 Are you breast aware?

As women, our breasts are a very important part of our bodies, they define our femininity, they help nourish our children, and of course men can’t seem to get enough of them! Despite their importance, most women seem not to have a relationship with their breasts.

How serious is it?

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer, about 50,000 women and 350 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It is the second biggest cause of death from cancer in women. The good news is; more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before!!!! Over 80% of women with breast cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis; more women are surviving longer thanks to advances in research, new treatments, earlier diagnosis, breast screening and breast cancer awareness.

Studies have shown that early detection and treatment of ANY disease, (including breast cancer) is the key to better chances at survival. The question now is: how do we detect breast cancer? The answer is simple: Develop a relationship with your breasts…..

So, how do we detect breast cancer?

1.     Breast self examination:

·        A simple, effective way to detect breast lumps early. It is advocated that we examine our breasts at least once a month. Breast examination can be done while we are in the shower (you are undressed anyway; just take a few minutes to check your breasts).

·         When you examine your breasts regularly, you know what your normal breasts feel like, so when there is an abnormality, it’s pretty quick to detect.

·        Besides a lump, signs of breast cancer can include breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, a change in breast size or shape, or nipple discharge.

·        If you notice any unusual changes in her breasts, you should see your doctor immediately, praying or wishing or “rejecting” the lump is not there will NOT help.

2.     Clinical breast examination:

·        A clinical breast exam is a physical exam done by a doctor as part of your regular medical checkup.

·        Your doctor should carefully feel your breasts and underarm for any changes or abnormalities (such as a lump). He/she should visually check your breasts while you are sitting up and physically examine your breasts while you are lying down.

·        It is important to ask your doctor for a breast examination from time to time. 

3.     Mammogram:

·        If you are over 40 years old. Having a mammogram done once a year can help in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast.

·        Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms. This type of mammogram is called a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms usually involve x-ray images, of each breast. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt.

·        Mammograms can also be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. This type of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram.

What are the benefits of screening mammograms?

·        Early detection of breast cancer with screening mammography means that treatment can be started earlier in the course of the disease, possibly before it has spread.

·        Results from studies show that screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, especially for those over age 50.

Now we know our options of detecting early breast cancer, which is the best method?

·        Getting a high-quality screening mammogram and having examining our breasts on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early.

So, you have found a lump… What next?

Wishing or praying the lump away would not help, neither will denying or insisting “it is not your portion” You need to seek help from qualified medical personnel as soon as possible. 

In Nigeria, most people associate breast cancer with a death sentence as the mortality rates are high. This is due most of the time to late presentation. Catching breast cancer early helps improve survival rates exponentially.

October is breast cancer awareness month; this is a fantastic opportunity to get that clinical examination and mammogram done.

So…. What are you waiting for? Make that appointment today……

 DR M. ADANIJO (FMCP)

moni_adanijo@yahoo.com