THE UNINVITED GUEST ; BREAST CANCER.

Breast Cancer has always been something considered to be dreadful , fierce and perhaps scary.This is not necessarily the case. I would love to think of it as an uninvited guest , whom if he or she stays too long , may just become as annoying and a pain in our lives, more like that disastrous guest you need to get rid of before they get too comfortable and start destroying things in your home.

Likewise , breast cancer comes as an uninvited guest in your home , unexpected , yet if it stays for too long in your body without detection it can cause much harm than it should if it was weeded out or detected early.

In that view it would be wise if we get to know more about this guest.

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER ?

The Breakdown.

Breast cancer is a malignant ( dangerous to health ; characterised by progressive and uncontrolled growth ) tumor or growth of breast cancer tissue.

Most breast cancers begin in the lining of the milk ducts and sometimes in the lobules of the breasts.

WHO IS AT RISK ?

Whilst affecting mostly the female gender , breast cancer has also been seen in males but at a lesser rate than women.

• About 7-10 % of individuals with family members that have had breast cancer are at risk of developing it, however the more distant the relative , the less the probability of getting breast cancer.

• Having children post the age of 30 is said to be one of the factors that predispose one to breast cancer.

• According to research late menopause (the time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends) and early menarche (the first occurrence of menstruation in a woman ) have been noted to be contributing factors towards development of breast cancer in women.

• Exposure to radiation may cause genetic mutation which may result in development of cancer or even speed up the growth of a pre-existing tumor . 

The following are said to stimulate tumor growth.

•  alcohol intake
• obesity 
• chronic psychological stress 
• high fat/ cholesterol diet

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER ?

• A painless , stony hard lump on the breast may be one of the classic characteristics of breast cancer.
• Redness or warmth on and around the breast. 
• Pain may be felt around the armpit area and the lymphnodes in the armpits may also be swollen and tender. 
• Skin on the breasts may appear scaly or it may have an appearance likened to that of an orange peel. 
• The nipple may appear retracted inwards 
• A clear or blood stained discharge may be draining from the nipples. 
• Breasts may be asymmetrical.

 

BREAST SELF EXAMINATION

All men and women are encouraged to assess the condition of their breasts at least every month.

This is something you can do at home, by yourself , with your partner or anyone you feel comfortable with. I would like to believe that it can also be used to strengthen relationships between couples , and also between mother and daughter during that " woman hood training ."

HOW DO I DO IT ?

Breast self examination can be done almost anywhere , in the shower , in bed ,standing in front of a mirror , its that simple.

WHILST LYING DOWN

• Whilst lying down in bed or on a firm surface , place a pillow under the right side of your back, make sure you also support your shoulder.

• Place your right arm behind your head. 

• Using your left hand , feel for any lumps on the right  breast using the pads of your fingers around breast , gently in small circles . First palpate lightly then deeply . 

• Squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge.

•  Repeat the above for the left breast.

WHILST STANDING.

• With one hand raised , use the pads of your fingers , to feel for any lump , thickening or hardened knot.Move around the breast  in a circular pattern , moving from the outside to the center of the breast.Do not forget to check the armpit area as well.

•  Whilst standing in front of a mirror , raise both hands overhead .Assess for any swelling , changes in nipples( drawing in of nipples )  

• Place your hands on your hips and press firmly. Assess if your breasts look the same .They may not look the same , but look for the above changes which may appear on one breast and sometimes both. 

WHAT CAN I DO  IF I FIND A LUMP  ?

In the event that you find a lump, or any other abnormality be sure to visit your nearest health center , for proper diagnosis and early treatment , before it spreads to other parts of the body.
Treatment may be inclusive of chemotherapy or surgery.

HOW CAN I HELP FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER ?

 

 Fighting against breast cancer is possible. This can be done by raising and awareness on the condition and how you can safeguard against it.It does not matter who you are or where you are from , all that matters is you know about it and are doing something about it.

Each and every one of us can can help by spreading knowledge on breast cancer , teaching each other on how to examine our breasts , raising awareness on social media , applications you name it .
With that in mind , let us leave no one behind  as we fight against breast cancer.

Do join us during this month of October as we fight against breast cancer. Tweet  or post on any social media using the hashtags #pinkOctober #PowerofPink #pinkmovement . Wear a pink ribon to show your support and admiration for all breast cancer survivors.

Do take some time and listen to some of our podcasts  on Breast cancer campaign OCTOBER 2015 : WEEDING OUT BREAST CANCER FROM THE ROOTS.


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