Breast Cancer Awareness: Test yourself, it depends on YOU!!
- Aliza Hamza
- Jul 13, 2019
- 4 min read
Did you know that about 1 out of every 9 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime?? Scary right?? I know.
You see, prevention may not be in your hands but early detection surely is. This is only possible if we know the importance of self breast examination, clinical breast examination and mammograms. All you need is only 5 minutes from your daily routine for yourself.
Now first things first;
What is Breast cancer?
Basically, Breast Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells in the breasts. Although It’s the most common cancer in women, yet it can also develop in men. Cancer is aggressive and life threatening but with early detection and proper treatment, one can surely survive it.
What are the statistics on male breast cancer?
Breast cancer is rare in men but typically has a significantly worse outcome. This is partially related to the often late diagnosis of male breast cancer when the cancer has already spread.
Symptoms are similar to the symptoms in women, with the most common symptom being a lump or change in skin of the breast tissue or nipple discharge.
What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer:
1) Nipple Discharge
A milky discharge from the nipples is common when you’re breastfeeding, but you shouldn’t ignore this symptom if you aren’t breastfeeding. Unusual discharge from your nipples can be a symptom of breast cancer. This includes a clear discharge and bloody discharge.
2) Breast lumps or thickening
The earliest symptoms of breast cancer are easier to feel than see. Performing a monthly self examination of your breasts will help you get familiar with their normal look and feel. Now how to perform self breast examination? I’ll tell you that too in this blogpost.
3) Pain or Changes in the size and shape of the breast
It’s not uncommon for breasts to swell, and you may notice a change in size around the time of your menstrual cycle.
Swelling can also cause breast tenderness, and it may be slightly uncomfortable to wear a bra or lie down on your stomach. This is perfectly normal and rarely indicative of breast cancer.
But while your breasts may undergo certain changes at different times of the month, you shouldn’t overlook some changes. If you notice your breasts swelling at times other than your menstrual cycle, or if only one breast is swollen, talk to your doctor.
4) Inverted nipple
Changes in nipple appearance can happen over time and can be considered normal because some women naturally have flat nipples. But talk to your doctor if you notice a newly inverted nipple. This is easy to identify. Instead of pointing outward, the nipple is pulled into the breast.
5) Changes in the skin of the breast
Don’t immediately be alarmed if you notice changes like peeling, scaling, or flaking on your breasts or the skin around your nipples. This is a symptom of breast cancer, but it can also be a symptom of other skin conditions. However you must contact your doctor to be sure. A skin rash on the other hand is one of the early symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer.
6) Swelling or dimpling of the breast
A rash isn’t the only visual symptom of inflammatory breast cancer. This type of cancer also changes the appearance of your breasts. You may notice dimpling or pitting, and the skin on your breast may begin to look like an orange peel due to underlying inflammation.
(Information source: Google)
Now there are quite a few Myths and Facts about Breast Cancer. Let me tell you;
1) Myth: Wearing deodorant causes breast cancer.
Fact: This is so not true. While there have been some reports that chemicals found in deodorants and antiperspirants can enter the skin and cause changes in breast cells that could lead to cancer, the research to date does not support a link between deodorant use and breast cancer risk.
2) Myth: Wearing a bra causes breast cancer.
Fact: Don’t worry; you can keep wearing your bra (if you want). Scientific evidence does not support a link between wearing an underwire bra (or any type of bra) and breast cancer risk. There is no biological reason why the two would be linked.
3) Myth: Injury or trauma to the breast, like getting hit in the breast, can cause breast cancer.
Fact: While we never want to get hurt, the good news is there is no evidence to support a link between trauma or injury to the breast and the risk of breast cancer.
4) Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer means “I WILL” get breast cancer.
Fact: A family history of certain types of cancer can increase your risk of breast cancer. However, most women with breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease. In fact, only about 13 percent of women with breast cancer have a close relative (mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer. Also, even if you don’t have a family history, be aware because you can still get breast cancer!
5) Myth: Breast cancer always forms a lump.
Fact: This is not true. Most of the breast lumps are benign
6) Myth: Men don’t (or can’t) get breast cancer.
Fact: Men may not think of themselves as having breasts. For men, it’s their chest or their “pecs,” but the fact is men have breast tissue. So yeah, men can get breast cancer too.
7) Myth: Young women don’t get breast cancer.
Fact: The truth is all women are at risk of breast cancer! Although rare, young women can get breast cancer, even in their 20s!
8) Myth: If a woman is pregnant she can’t get breast cancer.
Fact: Sadly, this is not true. Breast cancer is actually the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women. When women are pregnant or breastfeeding, their breasts are naturally more tender and enlarged, which may make it harder to find a lump or notice other changes.
9) Myth: Putting a cell phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
Fact: You can relax a bit because studies have found no increase in the risk of breast cancer or other types of cancer from cellphone use.
10) Myth: If I eat right, don’t smoke and exercise I won’t get breast cancer.
Fact: A person can do everything “right” and still get breast cancer. For breast cancer, most risk factors that we have some control over, like exercising and eating healthy only have a small effect on risk.
(Information source: Google)
5 Minutes for Me...
Take out 5 minutes and check yourself.
*Women under the age of 40 should carry out monthly self examination.
*Women over the age of 40 should get yearly mammography screening.
A simple step-by-step guide to a breast self-examination
Thats it. Thanks for the Read! =D
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