Checking Your Breast Health

2012-02-08T03:08:00.001-08:00

Breast cancer has emerged as one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in the world, especially in economically developing nations. It is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Early detection of cancer is the cornerstone for outcome of breast cancer treatment and survival. However, the fact that early stages of breast cancer are often asymptomatic makes early detection of breast cancer difficult. Therefore, it is essential that women realize the importance of regular screening tests, such as Mammograms, to detect the presence of cancer that is still in a very early stage.

Here are some of the recommendations made by American Cancer Society that can assist in the early detection of breast cancer in women;

· Women in their 20's and older should start with their BSE (Breast self examination). Any changes detected in their breast during BSE should be reported to the doctor. To know the correct technique for BSE, one can learn the BSE technique from a health professional.

· Women in their 20's and older should get a CBE (Clinical breast exam) every three years.

· Women age 40 and older should go for a Mammogram once every year, notwithstanding the fact that they are otherwise in perfect health

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

In many cases, the early detection of cancer is not possible and one only gets to know of the disease after the manifestation of signs and symptoms in the body. Some of these symptoms may be:

· Lump in the breast or armpit

· Swollen or painful breast

· Nipple discharge

· Irritation of breast skin

· Pain or irritation in the nipple

· Change in size and shape of breast

It is absolutely essential that any woman who detects changes in her breast, including the signs and symptoms mentioned above, must contact a health professional immediately for a medical examination.

Treatment

With the advancement in medical science, there are several treatments available for breast cancer. The mode of treatment followed for a patient usually depends on the severity of the cancer and the extent to which it has spread in the human body. Some of the common treatments include:

· Chemotherapy- it involves the use of certain drugs to kill the cancer cells. These are given to the patient in the form of pills or through intravenous tube.

· Surgery- this involves the surgical removal of the cancer tissue

· Radiation Therapy- high energy waves are targeted at that part of the body where the cancer cells are located to kill the cancer cells

· Hormonal treatment-this therapy blocks out the hormones in the body that are needed by the cancer cells to grow

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Checking Your Breast Health