The Good News is that with current sciences and technologies, treatment has become less invasive and more effective. Screening, diagnostic devices and treatments are evolving targeting different types of breast cancers. There is a broad range of screening and diagnostic methods including SureTouch and Thermo Imaging, with immunotherapy coming up as a future treatment. The key to meeting cancer is early detection, combined with best treatment.
SELF BREAST EXAMINATION (SBE)
The most important way for monitoring your own breast health is self examination. Monthly SBE will help you find any changes and detect the area. Your menstrual cycle can affect the hardness of masses in your breast, so timing of examinations is key. The best time to examine yourself is two weeks later than the start of your menstrual cycle, not the week before nor the week after.
What are you looking for? In short, a hard and defined mass. Normally rough. Cancer does not usually hurt but it can if there is an infection around it.
SOME TIPS FOR SELF BREAST EXAMINATION
Lie down with your arm above your head, using a cream and the flat of the top of your fingers. Remember to squeeze behind your nipple and even check between your breasts. 10 to 15% of breast cancer is lobular where milk is produced, which is at the lower outer region of your breast. About 75 to 80% of cancer is ductal, the storage areas from your lobules to and around your nipple. Tubular arcinoma is around 4% and there are numerous other types of breast cancer, making up the final 6%. The only mobile carcinoma is a complex cyst, with cancer in the wall of the cyst, again it is relatively hard. Our lymphatic system plays an important role. Uncomfortable swelling under your arm could be an infection but it may be a warning sign of breast cancer. There are also lymph nodes for your breasts in the area of your collar bone and at the sides of your breasts. If this sore swelling does not go away after a few weeks, please see your doctor.
Visual warning signs include a dimple on your breasts, an inverted nipple, unless your nipples are naturally inverted, a hard defined lump near the surface but normally deeper in your breast. A few warning signs with the skin, such as a sore, a blushing effect, an orange peel effect and multiple dimples. Your nipple will also change the direction it points, as the breast cancer grows. A discharge from the nipple, which can be clear, milky or with some blood in it must be checked. It is however normal to have one breast slightly larger than the other.
Your breast health is your responsibility and it is important to do your monthly self breast examination and go for an annual breast check-up when over forty or have a family history. An annual digital or clinical breast examination could help you find breast cancer early. Don’t be scared, be proactive and minimise the risk.
Early detection saves lives…….!
If you wish to have a Sure Touch Digital Breast Exam contact 021 683 1465 / 083 438 5245 / evrlyn_lyle@yahoo.com
