October is Breast
cancer awareness month!!!
According to The World Health Organization,
breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide and claims the
lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year. Breast Cancer is caused by the
formation of malignant cells in the breast tissue. It is more common in women
than in men. In men, it is usually detected as a hard lump under the nipple and
areola. While one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer the ratio for
men is one in a thousand.
This is an effort
to raise awareness and also reduce the stigma associated with breast cancer by
educating people on the symptoms and possible treatment.
Signs &
symptoms
It is
important to self-examine yourself monthly. This way, any changes will be
immediately discovered. Whenever an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated
immediately. The following are symptoms
or signs to watch out for:
1. A change in how the breast or nipple
feels- lumps, thickening within the region or underarm area, change in skin
texture, enlargement of skin pores of the breast.
2. A change in the breast or nipple
appearance – unexplained changes (swelling or shrinkage) in size or shape of
the breast, dimples on the breast, slightly turned or inverted nipple, skin of
the breast looks red, scaly or pitts (stays depressed when you press it)
3. Nipple discharge- clear, milky or
bloody must be checked out by the doctor.
Causes
of breast cancer
Breast
cancer is caused by damage to the cell’s DNA, so it is very difficult to
pinpoint one exact cause for breast cancer.
There are
however certain risk factors which make it more likely for one to develop
cancer. Risk factors refer to anything that increases a person’s chance of getting
a disease such as – family history and genetics, habits (drinking alcohol), age
and lifestyle risk, hormonal factors.
Breast
Cancer Myths
1. Lump = cancer
- This Is not true. Only a
small percentage of lumps are actually breast cancer. Never ignore any lump
found and ensure you get ti checked by the doctor.
Only women have breast cancer
- Men actually have breast
cancer too. It is detected by a hard lump and unfortunately men have a higher
mortality rate than women because they are less likely to assume that a lump is
breast cancer and delay seeking treatment.
3. If you have a family history of
breast cancer, you are likely to develop it too.
- This is untrue. Some women
who have breast cancer have no family history of it. In fact only about 10% of
individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have family history of it.
4. Breast cancer is contagious.
- Breast cancer is not
contagious but occurs as a result of damaged cells which begin to spread into
other tissues within the breast. It is necessary to practise a healthy
lifestyle and be aware of the risk factors.
5. Antiperspirants and deodorants cause
breast cancer.
- There is no conclusive evidence
linking deodorants or antiperspirants to the development of breast cancer.
How to examine
yourself (WOMEN)
- Stand straight in front of the
mirror, place your hands on your hips
a. Look through the mirror and identify
the shape, size and colour of your breast. They should be evenly shaped without
any visible swelling or distortion.
b. If there is any dimpling, scaling,
bulging or puckering, you need to get the attention of your doctor immediately
2 2. Raise your arms and observe the
shape and size.
3. Look out for any fluids coming out
of the nipples.
4 4. Lie down and place your left arm
behind your head like a pillow. Using our right hand, feel the left breast with
a firm smooth touch. Use your fingers and feel your way round the breast in a
slow circular motion. Go over the whole breast from top to bottom, side to side.
5. Repeat this process with the other
breast.
6 6. Stand up and feel the breasts. Go over
the entire area carefully in the same process described above.
How to examine
yourself (MEN)
1. Create a slippery soapy layer over
your breast area. This makes it easier for the fingers to glide over the skin
without rubbing it.
2. Place your left arm behind your head
and use the first three fingers of your right hand to go over the breast area
slowly in a circular motion.
3. Check your nipple by gently
squeezing it between your index and ring finger. Look out for any discharge,
puckering or retraction.
4. Check the second breast by repeating
the steps above.
5. In front of a mirror, examine both
breasts and look out for any skin changes – rash, dimples or puckers.
Remember early detection
(monthly breast self exams, regular clinical checks, mammograms) of breast
cancer increases treatment options and greatly reduces the risk of people dying
from Breast cancer.
Encourage everyone
you know to get tested today!
For free
Cancer Screening in Lagos, please go to Optimal cancer Care Foundation – 118 Bode
Thomas Surulere.
