Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a major public health problem and the most common type of cancer among women in terms of mortality and incidence (Gartey et al,2016). A 10-year review on Cancer mortality patterns in Ghana, conducted by Wiredu K.E. and Amah B.H., revealed that Breast cancer represented 17.24% of all cancer mortality cases (2006). Gartey et al, (2016) discovered that Volta Region has the highest burden of breast cancer out of five regions (Greater Accra Region, Brong Ahafo Region, Western Region, Ashanti region and Volta region) with 0.43% of breast cancer cases out of 0.76% breast cancer cases in all. With regards to the change in lifestyle in this 21 century in terms of eating habits and daily activities, it can be predicted that the incidence in Breast cancer mortality and morbidity is bound to increase in years to come.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells multiply uncontrollably forming a mass or tumor. Presence of mass or tumor inhibits the function of other cells. Breast cancer normally starts as small growth normally just a small lump and if not treated or taken care of spreads in the whole body which, may lead to death if medical intervention does not take place. Most breast cancers begin either in the breast tissue made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, or in the ducts that connect the lobules to the nipple. Breast cancer occurs in both males and females but most especially females.
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells multiply uncontrollably forming a mass or tumor. Presence of mass or tumor inhibits the function of other cells. Breast cancer normally starts as small growth normally just a small lump and if not treated or taken care of spreads in the whole body which, may lead to death if medical intervention does not take place. Most breast cancers begin either in the breast tissue made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, or in the ducts that connect the lobules to the nipple. Breast cancer occurs in both males and females but most especially females.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?
1.A lump in the breast
2.Thickening in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
3.Change in the size, shape or appearance of breast.
4.A newly inverted nipple.
5.Peeling or scaling of the pigmented area of the areola.
6.Redness of the skin over your breast Bloody discharge from the breast.
1.A lump in the breast
2.Thickening in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
3.Change in the size, shape or appearance of breast.
4.A newly inverted nipple.
5.Peeling or scaling of the pigmented area of the areola.
6.Redness of the skin over your breast Bloody discharge from the breast.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF BREAST CANCER?
1.Smoking
2.Not breast feeding
3.Personal history /family history of breast cancer
4.Taking excessive alcohol
5.Early menstruation
6.Lack of physical activity
1.Smoking
2.Not breast feeding
3.Personal history /family history of breast cancer
4.Taking excessive alcohol
5.Early menstruation
6.Lack of physical activity
WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?
Breast cancer can’t be prevented but, Breast cancer is curable if detected early. There are three methods for breast cancer screening. These include mammogram, Clinical breast examination and breast self-examination. American Cancer society recommends yearly mammogram starting at Age 40, clinical breast examination about every three years for women at Age 4o and above and breast self-examination for women in their 20s and over. Mammogram is quite expensive. Clinical breast examination can be time consuming.
Breast self-examination is recommended every month for women above 20 years for early detection of breast cancer.
Breast cancer can’t be prevented but, Breast cancer is curable if detected early. There are three methods for breast cancer screening. These include mammogram, Clinical breast examination and breast self-examination. American Cancer society recommends yearly mammogram starting at Age 40, clinical breast examination about every three years for women at Age 4o and above and breast self-examination for women in their 20s and over. Mammogram is quite expensive. Clinical breast examination can be time consuming.
Breast self-examination is recommended every month for women above 20 years for early detection of breast cancer.
WHY SHOULD I CONDUCT BREAST SELF EXMINATION?
Breast self-examination is a simple and cheap method of breast screening. It helps one to know how her breast feels for early detection of changes which may be symptoms of breast cancer. Conducting Breast self- examination one week after every menses would enhance early detection of breast cancer for treatment.
Breast self-examination is a simple and cheap method of breast screening. It helps one to know how her breast feels for early detection of changes which may be symptoms of breast cancer. Conducting Breast self- examination one week after every menses would enhance early detection of breast cancer for treatment.
HOW SHOULD I CONDUCT BREAST SELF EXAMINATION?
Breast self-examination can be conducted in the shower, in front of a mirror and whiles lying down.
Breast self-examination can be conducted in the shower, in front of a mirror and whiles lying down.
In the shower
In a circular pattern, use the pads of your fingers to move around your entire breast. Look out for a lump, thickening or hard knots. This is much easier when the body is still soapy. Squeeze your nipple for bloody discharge.
In front of your mirror
Inspect your breast with your hands at your sides, then your hands over our head. Look out for changes in breast size, swelling, dimpling of skin or changes in nipples. Stand hands akimbo and move your chest inwards to look out for breast change.
Inspect your breast with your hands at your sides, then your hands over our head. Look out for changes in breast size, swelling, dimpling of skin or changes in nipples. Stand hands akimbo and move your chest inwards to look out for breast change.
Lying down
Place a pillow under your right shoulders and your right harm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast in a circular motion covering the entire breast area and nipple. Look out for discharge and lumps. Repeat this for the left breast.
When you perform breast exams and detect any changes in your breast kindly contact a health professional.
Rosemary Mawuena
JR Women Care foundation
Nice, now I know I can do my own breast examination in the comfort of my home...
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.