It’s breast cancer awareness month people! You’ve seen those pink ribbons everywhere nowadays, but October is more than just buying those products that will contribute to charities. It’s time to get proactive ladies and gents (Yep, guys can get breast cancer too, albeit rare) and start copin’ a feel! We task our readers with a little breast cancer screening in the next week, either by performing a Breast Self-Exam (BSE) or scheduling a visit to the doctor.
Via the National Breast Cancer Foundation – A How To! You should check your breasts Once a Month!
No matter how old or young you are, checking for lumps is important. It’s a good idea to make it a habit, so you may notice any changes happening over time and because early detection is key. If you are uncomfortable with performing a SBE or would prefer the peace of mind that only an MD can provide, be sure to have your doctor perform a breast exam at your next check-up.
When checking for lumps you should lay flat on your back with an arm behind your head or standing up in the shower. Use the pads of your first three fingers and varying amounts of pressure to check for lumps.
If you have any of these problems, you should talk to your doctor:
- pain in your breast that seems unrelated to your period
- a red, hot, or swollen breast
- a lump in your armpit or near your collarbone
- a breast lump that’s new or unusual
- a new breast lump doesn’t go away after your next period
- an existing breast lump seems to have changed — it gets bigger, for instance
- You notice skin changes on your breast, such as redness, crusting, dimpling or puckering
- You notice changes in your nipple — it turns inward (inversion) or appears flatter, for instance
- You notice nipple discharge that’s clear, yellow, green, brown or red
If ever you’re unsure about what might be happening with your body, consult your physician! Better safe than sick.
Share with your friends, you too can help them!
For some more clinical information on breast health, check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_awareness
This article is from the independent and authoritative Cochrane Collaboration:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003373/abstract
See also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_self-examination
This is important, because contrary to what many people think, screening can do harm. The possible benefits must always be measured against the possible harms.
Sorry to put a damper on things.
We wanted to check out these articles before posting this comment, sorry for the delay! It is important to know about possible risks so we thank you for bringing this to our attention. I would just like to point out that breast self-examinations themselves were not said to cause harm and that it is the “needless biopsies and surgery.” Studies show that breast examinations have not statistically shown to be effective in preventing death, but we still encourage everyone to educate themselves regarding breast health.
Here’s an excerpt from the plain language summary of the first article that we feel is important for women to read: Some women will continue with breast self-examination or will wish to be taught the technique. We suggest that the lack of supporting evidence from the two major studies should be discussed with these women to enable them to make an informed decision. Women should, however, be aware of any breast changes. It is possible that increased breast awareness may have contributed to the decrease in mortality from breast cancer that has been noted in some countries. Women should, therefore, be encouraged to seek medical advice if they detect any change in their breasts that may be breast cancer.
Thanks, I agree. Medicine is confusing, not least because there are so many vested interests in it. The Cochrane Collaboration is the nearest thing we have to objectivity, as it is independent of governments and of the pharmaceutical industry.
P.S: of course, if you find a lump, or indeed any of the things listed, see your doctor.
Hey, what about my other comment? If you disagree with it, that’s fine, you can tell me why. (There are a lot of people out there who want to sell you stuff, whether it be mammograms or artificial butter. Not all of them are good for you.)