Breast Cancer

Facts

• It is the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths among women in Malaysia.
• This cancer is caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells within the breast tissue. If not detected and treated quickly, it can spread to the lymph glands and other parts of the body, including lungs, bones and liver.
• 1 in 20 women in Malaysia has a risk of getting breast cancer in their lifetime.
• If you discover any unusual changes in your breast, consult a doctor immediately, even if the lump is painless.
• Not all lumps are cancerous.
• The risk is higher for women who have a family history of breast cancer.

Myth busting

• Small-chested women have a lower risk
  From A to DD, experts say cup size doesn’t matter.
• Breast cancer always appears as a lump
  Approximately 10% of those diagnosed with breast cancer have no lumps, pain, or other indications of a problem in their breasts.
• Mammograms prevent or reduce your risk
  The screening test only detects breast cancer that already exists.
• Mammograms cause breast cancer
  Health experts say the benefits outweigh the miniscule radiation from mammograms.
• Birth control pills cause breast cancer
  Doctors say there is no concrete evidence for them to recommend that women stop taking birth control pills to avoid breast cancer.
• Young women don’t get breast cancer
  While most breast cancer cases are found in post-menopausal women, young women are still at risk.
• Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer
  Rumours about antiperspirants preventing women from “sweating out” toxins and deodorants containing cancer-causing chemicals go unfounded by top scientists.
• Wearing a bra increases your cancer risk
  Tight underwire bras restricting your lymphatic fluid? Scientists say this doesn’t cause cancer.
• Drinking from a plastic water bottle left in a hot car can cause cancer
  Dioxins leached from heated plastic into the water doesn’t pose a risk, say researchers from major medical institutions.

Your Checklist

• Conduct breast self exams regularly and be alert to changes in your breasts.
• Have an annual breast check-up by your doctor.
• If you are under 40, your doctor may recommend you do a breast ultrasound
• If you are above 40 years of age, your doctor may recommend you do a  mammogram and in some cases, a breast ultrasound as well.

FIVE EASY WAYS TO CHECK FOR BREAST CANCER:

Step 1: First undress, remove your bra, look into the mirror and keep your arms relaxed by your side. Look for change in shape, size, discolouration and skin texture of both breasts.

Step 2:  Now raise your hands above your head and look for sores, dimpling or puckering of the skin. Check on the position of your nipples to see if it is pointing sideways and ensure it is not inverted. With your forefinger and thumb, gently squeeze your nipples to check for discharge.

Step 3: Next, lie down and using your right hand, place your index finger, middle finger and ring finger (keeping them flat and together) on your left breast. Press your finger pads against the skin and in a circular motion, feel for lumps or abnormalities around the circumference of your bosom (from collarbone moving to the top of abdomen, and from armpit to cleavage). (alternate this step using left hand on right breast)

Step 4: You can try moving your fingers up and down vertically. Alternate the pressure of your finger pads against the skin of your breasts. For the skin and tissue just beneath the breasts, use LIGHT pressure. Use MEDIUM pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts and use FIRM pressure for the deep tissue under the armpits. When you’ve reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: You may find that the easiest way to feel your breast is when your skin is wet and slippery, so it is best to repeat the steps above in the shower.

For your convenience we’ve made a really pretty door hanger with the instructions for you to hang anywhere, so it’s a breeze for you to do a check anytime. Download it here!
Passionately YOU Doorhanger (314)

The earlier breast cancer is found and diagnosed, the better your chances of beating it. Be conscientious and do not duck your examinations.

Sources:
http://currentcancer.com/cancer-in-malaysia.html
http://www.prevention.com/breastcancermyths/index.shtml

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