Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women in the world today. Despite all the increase in technology, advances in surgery, development of new and stronger cytotoxic (cancer killing) drugs, the death rate from cancer each year is not any better now that it was a decade ago. Breast cancer is one of the common cancers in women. This breast cancer could be totally cured only with early diagnosis. Herein lies the key to future success. That is the reason we are writing this story. If breast cancer is not detected until it has advanced to a state where it has spread to another parts of the body, then the outlook is bad news. The chances of salvaging the life are small. That's why doctors are continually proclaiming the message for woman to be aware, to check, to double check and to keep on checking for the rest of their lives. Every woman should be proficient in regular breast examination

Every woman should carry out on a regular basis of examination of her own breasts from the late teens. This must be an ongoing exercise for the rest of one's life. It is as simple and straightforward as that.

Certainly breast cancer in the younger age groups is uncommon. Traditionally 45 years and over is the cancer age segment. This increases with age, so that many women in their 60s will contract it. Nevertheless it may strike younger women. But if women develop a regular routine of breast examination and persist with this for life, many more would be picked up at a very early stage where a cure is highly probable.

What is the routine with breast examinations?

The ideal time is to perform this is just after a period. Many women develop tense, tender breasts just prior to menstruation and they may become sore and uncomfortable. But when a period starts large amounts of fluid are excreted. Breast fullness tends to decrease in apparent size and this is the best time to check. There are many simple ways to carrying it out. Many do it under the shower, when the body is wet and the hands soapy. Gently feel or palpate the entire breast area, covering each quadrant and then concentrating on the nipple area and parts underneath. It takes only a few minutes. If there is any abnormality or strange lump, this could be suspect.

Some women have fairly full breasts and may find it hard to tell if there are lumps present. It is often simpler to examine them when lying on the bed, on one's

back. Then, similarly using the hand and fingers, each segment of the breast can be carefully felt, using a firm, even but gentle circular motion. Do it systematically. Ideally divide the breast mentally into four quadrants. Then work clockwise around each segment. Finally check the central nipple region. Use the right hand for the left breast and the left hand for the right side.

What does a cancer feel like?

Typically it feels like a hard lump, a bit like a pea or ballbearing either just under the skin or deeper in the fatty tissue.

inner lower quadrant accounts for the rest, about 5%.

Are all abnormal breast lumps due to cancer?

Certainly not. Probably only about one or two lumps in every 100 turn out to be cancer. These are the ones that must not be missed, which means that any abnormal breast lump should be checked by the doctors.

What will the doctor do with the breast lump?

It may depend upon the patient's age. Younger women are highly likely to develop cysts (Sac formed in the body,

Many women say they can feel all sorts of lumps. True, for the breast contains large numbers of milk glands that is what it's there for, to breastfeed baby. But fairly soon, with patience, one can detect the difference. If you are not sure, check with the doctor to make certain you is doing this the right way. The doctor will be the only too pleased to show you exactly what to do, and the kind of lump you are seeking.

Where is the most likely lplace for abnormal umps?

The upper outer segment or quadrant is the most probable site. About 45% of cancers develop here. The central nipple area comes next, accounting for about 25%. Then the inner upper quadrant 10% and finally the

containing liquid matter) in the breast. The doctor may advise a biopsy. A small segment of breast tissue is removed and the pathologist examines it under the microscope. If there is any suspicion of it being cancer, the doctor may also prepare for further surgery, for if the pathology report says "cancer", it is wise to proceed to remove the growth.

Treatment

There are several treatment methods of breast cancer which depends upon the cases e.g. severity, age, particular's condition etc. Breast cancer may need chemotherapy, radiotherapy and even surgery which depend upon the condition of the patient. The doctor will select treatment, but it is important to find out the disease at the initial

stage and consulting with a physician. The best way to prevent breast cancer is by early detection and treatment, before secondary spread occurs.

Is it better to visit the doctor for a regular breast examination than trying the do-it-yourself business on an amateur basis?

Having professional guidance is always a good idea, especially in the early stages. But it is also worthwhile occasionally sitting in front of a mirror checking the appearance of the breasts. Check the relative sizes, whether a nipple seems odd, whether they are level or withdrawn or inverted. Whether there is any dimpling of the skin in any part, for sometimes this is the first sign of a more superficial cancer. A nipple discharge, especially if bloodstained is also a telltale sign. In short, if there is any abnormality, report it at once to the doctor who will check, refer you to a doctor or a clinic specializing in breast examinations. Never neglect at the preliminary stage which can further increase and make complications, even turn to death. Always remember that a stitch in time save nine.

Mammograms

A mammogram is an ordinary low-dose X-ray image of the breast that shows fine details of the internal soft tissues. But this must be done after a doctor's advice. For women under the age of 50 are not routinely performed unless there is a special suspect reason. The breast is very sensitive to X-rays and repeated examinations in particular may in fact initiate a breast cancer! In women over the age of 50 where the risk factors escalate are often carried out by the suggestion of a physician. So manual self examination will always remain an essential part of early diagnosis.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding seems to reduce the risk of subsequent breast cancer. This, too, is good news and should encourage women to breastfeed. Reproduction stimulates the breasts to activity. Regular breast usage for the reason protects the woman from breast cancer! So don't deprive your child from the gift of nature which is its human right.

Reconstructive surgery of breasts

Breasts are considered a vital secondary sexual organ of the woman. Many women do not agree for the necessary surgery of breasts. Sometimes it is their husbands who force women to carry on with their ill breasts. But surgery should be done immediately if it is badly needed. There is good news for them that there are scopes for reconstructive surgery after the removal of ill portion of breast.