Breast cancer screening: No bother at all
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When should you do this? Monthly breast self-examination starting by age 25 is recommended. Clinical breast examination by a trained medical professional at least every three years starting at age 25, and annually after 40 years old.
Risk factors
Studies have shown that the risk of getting breast cancer depends on a combination of factors. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get the cancer, but being aware of them can help you to take protective steps to reduce the risk.
They include –
Family history
Certain inherited genes
History of malignant or benign (non-cancerous) breast disease
Early onset of menstruation
Late menopause
Having first child after the age of 35
Having fewer children or never had children
Being on hormone replacement therapy
Drinking too much alcohol
Being overweight or obese
It is possible to get breast cancer even if you have none of these risk factors.
Regular screening and breast self-examination are thus important, as you may not see any symptoms of early-stage cancer, such as a lump, nipple inversion, unusual discharge, ulceration, pain, or skin changes on the breast and nipple.
You can also reduce your risk through lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight by having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting your intake of alcohol, and not smoking (or quitting if you smoke).
Breast cancer survival rates have improved as a result of advancement in surgical procedures, the availability of effective chemotherapeutic agents, and breakthroughs in targeted therapy. However, the best weapon against breast cancer is still awareness: Know your body, know your risks and early detection.
Breast self-examination: What to do
1. Look into a mirror, keeping your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Check your breasts and nipples for any rash, redness, swelling or changes such as a nipple that has become inverted (pushed inward instead of sticking out).
2. While still in front of the mirror, raise your arms and look for the same changes as in step (1).
3. Squeeze each nipple gently to see if there is any discharge such as a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood.
4. Lie down and feel each breast. Keeping your fingers flat and close together, use your right hand to feel the left breast and vice-versa. Use a circular motion from top to bottom and side to side – from collarbone to abdomen, from armpit to cleavage. Begin with a soft touch, and increase pressure to feel the deeper tissue. Cover the entire breast.
Do the same as in step (4) while standing or sitting.
Screening
When and what
If you are…
Over 25 years old —
Monthly breast self-examination (BSE)
40-49 years old —
Monthly BSE
Yearly mammogram +/- ultrasound scan
50 years old and above —
Monthly BSE
Mammogram +/- ultrasound scan every two years
For further enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact CanHope Dhaka, Suite-B3, Level-4, House-10, Road-53 Gulshan, Dhaka. Call 019 7777 0 777 or email: zeba@parkwayhealth.net