By: Harjit K. Sood, MD] October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Approximately 180,000 new cases of breast cancer will occur. 46,000 women will succumb to the disease this year. ~75% of breast cancer develops in women with no family history. Only 25% of cases arise in a defined risk group. Growing older increases the risk particularly from age 50 on. The discussion in this article is in generalities. Details and fine nuances of treatment and management should be discussed with your personal physician. Most breast lumps are discovered by the patient herself, (S.B.E.) Self Breast Exam Includes: 1) Observation: Look at your breast in the mirror and check for changes in the size, shape and color texture of the skin.
- Lie down and with your right hand palpate (feel) your left breast and with your left hand palpate your right breast. Keep the hand of the breast you are examining behind your head. Use the tips of your fingers in a circular motion and cover the entire breast in a systematic way. Always examine the armpit areas also. Always feel the nipple and gently squeeze to check for any nipple discharge. The best time to do a SBE is towards the end of your menstrual cycle. If you are menopausal establish a time in the month and perform SBE at the same time monthly. Familiarize yourself with the geography of your breast. Become aware of how your breasts feel so you can recognize any changes. Have a professional exam lf you notice any change in the way your breast feels. Always have a physician examine your breasts at least yearly. Mammography Even though mammography is not perfect, it helps early detection of breast cancer. Mammography helps you “see” a lump much sooner than you can feel it. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance for successful treatment. Early detection can save your life and your breast. Guidelines established by the American Cancer Society for mammography are as follows: Baseline mammogram at age 35 Mammograms every other year in the 40’s Yearly mammograms from the 50’s on.
Advancing age increases the incidence of breast cancer. If you fall into a high risk category; family history of breast cancer, please consult your personal physician for guidelines. If a breast lump is detected, seek specialized medical attention immediately, without delays. Further testing such as: sonography, needle aspiration, needle blopsy, blopsy of the mass may be necessary. Our next column will deal with management of a breast lump.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1996
Article extracted from this publication >>
