Hi. Welcome back to my blog. Thank you for following along my journey.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would share some facts about Breast Cancer as well as how to conduct a self breast exam. The next post will continue to share my personal journey.
Breast Cancer Facts
Here are some basic cancer facts of which you should be aware:
- Breast Cancer is the most common cancer for women in the US.
- 1 in 8 women in US will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
- 1 in 1,000 men in the US will also experience breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Over 70% of women find their own lumps.
- 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of breast cancer.
- Breast Cancer is the #1 killer in women 35 and under.
- Every 2 minutes a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer.
- There are 3.5 million breast cancer survivors.
- 93% of women with early stage breast cancer diagnosis survive beyond 5 years.
Get Your Mammogram
If you notice any change in your breast, color, shape or feeling, be sure to consult your GP (general practitioner), OB or nurse practitioner ASAP. If you are told not to worry and are too young, ADVOCATE for yourself and demand to be seen. It is better to know it is not a concern than to let it go until it becomes something worse.
If you are over 40 I encourage you to get your annual mammogram. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do this for yourself and your family. I understand it is not comfortable as they squeeze your breast and often have to manipulate you into uncomfortable positions to get the best image. I have heard women say they won’t go for another mammogram because it was too painful, trust me the discomfort is not as bad as the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Early detection matters and can save your life!
Signs To Look For
Here are a few common symptoms that are a sign you need to be seen:
- Nipple discharge
- Breast lump or thickening of tissue.
- Skin dimpling
- Newly inverted nipple
- Redness or pitting of the skin of your breast
- Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of skin surrounding the nipple or breast
Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic to learn more.
Be In Tune with your Body
From a woman’s perspective, I highly recommend becoming familiar with your breasts.
- Are they dense?
- What do they feel like?
- What is the typical color and shape?
- Do a self exam every month.
I have included a YouTube video that will teach you how to do your own breast exams. This may sound strange, but your partner may notice a change in your breasts before you do. For any change, the best choice is to make an appointment with your doctor. Here is a link to another YouTube video discussing common signs and symptoms to look for. You know your own body the best.
As a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I am doing a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The only way to eliminate Breast Cancer is to increase awareness, research and equal access to essential medical care for all.
Thank you for following my journey! Stay tuned for more posts next week.
