breast cancer awareness - how to do a self-exam

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it's probably only fitting that we discuss breast self-examination. Having said that, we should really be aware of our breasts and taking care of them all year round. 

Our team has been working with Bosom Buddies, a South African based cancer support group run by survivors, for 2 years now, as well as with Buddies for Life, the magazine publication specifically for breast cancer patients, survivors and the supporters around them.

Buddies for Life

Bosom Buddies

They are both non-profit organisations that are run as projects for the Breast Health Foundation. To keep the projects running, they rely on donations and assistance from the public.

Should you wish to get involved, please visit their website for more information: http://bosombuddies.cfsites.org/

Breast Cancer affects more women than we are probably aware of, and it doesn't discriminate, so any woman of any age, race or creed can be affected.  Below are a few facts about Breast Cancer in South Africa:

• One in every 31 woman in South Africa is diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
• Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer in South Africa
• Approximately 5% of woman diagnosed in South Africa are younger than 35 years old.
• There has been an alarming increase in woman under the age of 25 being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
• If Breast Cancer is detected early enough, there is a survival rate of more than 95%.

Early detection saves lives, so here is a few things to do and to watch out for:

Stand in front of a mirror, firstly with your hands on your hips and secondly with raised arms and look at your breasts checking for the following:

• Any shape, size or colour change
• Visible distortion or swelling
• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
• Redness, soreness or rash
  
• Signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood)

The next test is also done in two stages and maybe be easiest when the skin is wet. So while you are in the bath or shower. 

• Raise one arm above your head in a lying down position.  Use the right hand to check the left breast and vice versa.
• Keeping your fingers together, use the fingertips firmly and smoothly in a circular motion over the breast.  You can use small or large circles, but ensure you cover the entire breast, from underarm to cleavage.
• Vary the pressure from light to firm to ensure you feel all of the breast tissue from just beneath the skin to all the way down to the ribcage.
• Do this on both breasts, and repeat again in a standing position.
  

It is recommended that you check your breasts at least once a month, and generally when you are menstruating.  Your gynaecologist should also do a breast exam during your yearly check-up and if you are concerned please chat to them about doing a mammogram.  Should you notice any abnormality that were described above, or feel any lump of any kind, please see your Doctor as soon as possible and get this checked. 

Mammograms save lives!

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The femme fatale ladies
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