October is here, breast cancer awareness month. but that doesn't mean the breast cancer awareness is just one month. In 2020 alone, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer was diagnosed. This never roses every single year.
this article I will point out two ways you can self diagnose, or seek diagnosis to prevent breast cancer .
MAMMOGRAMS
a procedure in which low- energy X rays are used to examine breast. A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves 2 X-rays of each breast. Using a mammogram, it is possible to detect a tumor that cannot be felt. The procedure can be uncomfortable, however Women older than 30 years should undergo diagnostic mammography if they have symptoms, such as a palpable lump, breast skin thickening or indentation, nipple discharge or retraction, erosive sore of the nipple, or breast pain
Self examination
No one knows your body better than you do. You often don't realize it but there are subtle changes that can happen around and in your breast that only you can detect.
Although self examinations aren't accurate, self-examination is a useful and important screening tool, especially when used in combination with regular physical exams by a doctor, mammography, and in some cases ultrasound and/or MRI.
Regularly feeling your breast tissue for abnormal lumps and growth will help you get to know your body better and ultimately help you notice if there are issues that need to be looked at by a professional physician. Feel for any lumps, thick spots or other changes. A circular pattern may help you make sure you hit every spot. Then, press the tissue under the arm.
Visually look for any changes in breast shape, breast swelling, dimpling in the skin or changes in the nipples.
These exams can be scary and time consuming. we as women get busy and forget to take care of ourselves. We can prevent a greater risk on our lives just by doing these extra steps. Check yourself, get checked, let's prevent breast cancer.
Early detection is key.
Written by Yuli Angulo