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Breast Cancer Awareness
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Daily Bread
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 |
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an appropriate reminder for you to focus on your breast health. You may think this is old news or not a real concern for you because no one in your family has been diagnosed with breast cancer. But, the facts prove that’s not true at all. The American Cancer Society statistics show that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, other than skin cancer. And more than 70 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors.
What does that mean for you? Breast cancer is a real threat to you and the women in your family. So it’s up to you to protect yourself from breast cancer and detect it as early as possible. Breast Exams One of the best ways you can do this is by becoming familiar with your own breasts through breast self-exams. That may sound strange, but it’s the easiest way for you to detect any changes or abnormalities in your breast. Changes that you should be aware of include: development of a lump or swelling in the breast or underarm area, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction (turning inward), redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. If you notice any of these changes, call your health care provider immediately. The American Cancer Society recommends that women as young as 20 years old start performing a breast self-exam monthly. If you’re not sure about how to perform this exam, ask your physician or health care provider. In addition to performing breast self-exams, you should have a clinical breast examination by a physician every three years. And if you’re over 40, the American Cancer Society recommends that you have a mammogram annually. You can schedule a mammogram at your physician’s office or other places dedicated to performing mammograms. While mammograms are uncomfortable, they can save your life. When you put it in perspective, that’s worth more than a few minutes of discomfort. Besides, the most difficult part of the procedure only lasts about 30 seconds. Risk Factors Women who have a higher risk for breast cancer need to be more diligent about these exams and may even consider participating in preventative research. The obvious risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a woman. Other risk factors that you don’t have control over include your age (a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases with age), your family and genetic history (having one first-degree relative with breast cancer doubles a woman’s risk) and your menstrual period (women who started menstruating before 12 or went through menopause after 50 have a slightly higher risk). Additional factors that appear to increase a woman’s likelihood of getting breast cancer include using oral contraceptives, not having children, alcohol use and obesity and high-fat diets. As you take a more active role in your health care, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure of what a breast lump or abnormality feels like, discuss this with your health care provider. Remember, early detection is the key. And you’re your own best advocate for a lifetime of good health.
Published: Sept. 30, 2008
Sources: Women’s Health Center at Baptist Collierville; The American Cancer Society  Top of Page |
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