Keep in mind...
...these factors put you in a higher risk group for developing breast cancer:
Over age 50
Family history of breast cancer
First childbirth after 30
Never having children
Obesity (weighing 40 per cent more than your ideal body weight).
Your best defence...
... is early detection. When breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, the cure rate is nearly 100 per cent.
Decide on a personal plan...
... so that you can enjoy good health without worry. With the help of your doctor set up a plan that will include:
Breast self-examination
Examination by a doctor or nurse
Mammography
Part one of your plan...
... will be regular thorough breast self-examination (B.S.E.)
Staring at the age of 20, all women should check their breasts for lumps, thickening or any other change, every month. You owe it to yourself to learn and practise this simple routine. It could save your life.
START in the shower or bath when skin is wet and slippery. It is easy then to feel any lump or thickening. Raise the arm next to the breast to be examined. Then take two or three fingers of the other hand and gently examine the breast.
MOVE the fingers in clockwise motion completely around the breast and feel for a mass or lump under the skin.
THEN stand in front of a
mirror and look for changes in breast shape and nipples. Look for dimpling of the skin or swelling as well.
ALSO explore the breast while lying down. Lie flat on your back with one arm over your head and repeat the fingertip inspection of both breasts.
Plan to examine your breast at the same time every month. It will not take long . The best time for B.S.E. is usually a week after the start of the menstrual period.
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF
If you think you have found a lump, chances are it is not malignant, but you won't know if you don't ask. If you require surgery, it is not the end of the world. Women who have had breast surgery can, and do, lead normal productive lives.
The second part of your plan...
... Is to visit your health centre or doctor for a professional breast examination. All women over 20 should have a professional examination at least every three years.
After the age of 40, have your doctor or nurse check your breasts every year.
The third part of your plan...
...Is having regular mammograms (breast X-rays). They are quick, easy and safe.
A mammogram can give you a big head start on treatment. You or your doctor may feel a lump as small as a pea. A mammogram can detect a cancer as small as pin-head.
If you are less than 40
years old:
Examine your breasts monthly
Have a professional breast exam at least every three years
If you are between 40-49
years old:
Examine your breasts every month
Have a professional breast exam every year
Have a mammogram every one to two years
If you are age 50 and over:
Examine your breasts
every month
Have a professional breast exam every year
Have a mammogram every year
Your chances are excellent if you begin your action plan now. We will not be able to prevent breast cancer, but we can find it early enough to cure it.
IF BREAST
CANCER IS FOUND
We can help. We are the Jamaica Reach for Recovery, a group of volunteer counsellors who have had breast cancer surgery.
If you need more information, get in touch with us through the Jamaica Cancer Society at :
16 Lady Musgrave Road
Kingston 10
Telephone: 927-4265
or log on to:
www.jamaicacancersociety.org
