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 Video of Breast Self Examination |
Touch - your breasts feel for anything unusual.
Look- for changes. Be aware of shape and texture
Check- anything unusual with your doctor. Talk to your friends if you are worried.
Changes to look for
*Size and shape - if one breast becomes larger than the other.
*Skin texture such as puckering or dimpling of the skin. Orange peel effect.
*Appearance and direction of nipple - one nipple might become inverted (turned in)
*Discharge one or both nipples might discharge a blood stained liquid.
*Rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area.
*Lump in breast or armpit
*Lumpy area or unusual thickening of breast tissue that doesn't go away after period.
*Pain in part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to periods.
REMEMBER THAT NINE OUT OF TEN BREAST LUMPS ARE NOT CANCEROUS
How can i Prevent Breast Cancer
1. Exercise
Regular exercise may lower the risk of breast cancer. Be active for at least half an hour on all days of the week.
2. Weight
Is your weight suitable for your height? To check this out you may refer to the information in the booklet 'Your Healthy Guide to Losing Weight" issued by the Health Promotion and Disease Protection Department.
3. Diet
A healthy diet will decrease your risk of developing breast cancer.
• Reduce your total fat intake especially saturated fat - found in meat (like beef, lamb, pork, red meat), meat products (like sausages, luncheon meat, corned beef), and milk and its products. Choose lower fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, gbejniet, Edam cheese and 'light' yoghurt.
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily. Vary your intake of fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of vegetables such as cabbages, brussels sprouts, broccoli and tomatoes.
• Increase your fibre intake. Fibre is found only in plant foods. Choose wholemeal products for added fibre.
• Include more protein-providing plant foods like legumes, nuts and seeds which are lower in fat than animal foods. Include more fish in your diet..
• Avoid alcohol-containing drinks.
• Intake of phytoestrogens (plant eostrogens) found in soy beans, whole wheat and berries may be protective.
4. Breast examination
• BSE is one of the most important tools for early diagnosis.
• Besides, every woman between 40 and 49 should have a physical examination by a health professional every one or two years and those over 50 should be examined annually.
• A mammogram should be carried out every one or 2 years in women between the ages of 40 and 49 and every year after the age of 50.
5. Smoking
One of the effects of smoking is an increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, stop smoking now. If you need help in quitting join one of the smoking cessation clinics offered by the Health Promotion Department.
6. Breast feeding
Breastfeeding mothers have greater protection against breast cancer and the longer they breastfeed the better the protection. Mothers are advised to breastfeed for at least the first 6 months of the infant's life.
How likely am I to develop breast cancer?
Cancer is. caused by cells mutating (changing from normal to abnormal) and growing out of control. Cells may mutate for many reasons, and so it is often difficult to understand the exact cause of any one person's cancer.
Certain risk factors are identified:
Proven Risks
• Female
• Over the age of 50
• Family history - especially mother, sister or other first degree relative
• Nulliparity (no children)
• First pregnancy after age 30
• First period before age 12
• Late menopause (after 50)
• Exposure to high radiation
Potential Risks
• Tall stature and heavy frame
• Obesity after menopause
• Alcohol intake over 9 drinks/week
• Diet: low fibre, zinc, selenium and antioxidants, high saturated fat and trans fatty-acid intake
• Lack of exercise
• Exposure to prolonged use of high dose oestrogen
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