Special To McDonald County Press
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among American women and one of the leading causes of death due to cancer. Mammograms and other breast cancer screening tools are helping women find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. This Oct. 17, observe National Mammography Day by encouraging the women in your life to do breast self-exams and get clinical exams or mammograms to protect their breast health.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is the best test physicians have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before a lump is felt. Women age 50-74 years old should have a mammogram every two years. Women with a family history of breast cancer or changes in the breast may need to have a mammogram before age 50.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warning signs of breast cancer may include--
• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all, and some of these warning signs can also happen with conditions that are not cancer, so talk to your health care provider about any concerns.
You can also screen yourself by doing regular breast self-exams at home. The best time to do a self-exam is three to five days after your menstrual cycle starts. If you have already gone through menopause, do your self-exam on the same day each month.
• Lie on your back and place your right hand behind your head. With the middle fingers of your left hand, gently yet firmly press down using small motions to examine the entire right breast.
• Next, sit or stand. Feel your armpit, because breast tissue goes into that area.
• Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge. Repeat the process on the left breast.
• Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side and check the breasts for changes in skin texture, such as dimpling, puckering, indentations, or skin that looks like an orange peel.
• Note the shape and outline of each breast and check to see if the nipple turns inward.
• Raise your arms over your head and examine your breasts again.
Most women have some lumps. Your goal is to find anything new or different. If you do, call your health care provider. When breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives.
General News on 05/05/2016