We never seem to stop talking about breasts and many women continue to struggle with the appropriate size of breasts. Some want a bigger pair while others would die to have a breast reduction to free them from the extra weight they carry.

It is amazing the way many eyes especially those belonging to men stray in the direction of breasts while they chat with women. Guys, it’s eyeball to eyeball while you talk to others. This pair really get a lot of attention, don’t they? Time to protect them as well.

How much do we know about breasts and what precautions do we take to keep them healthy and looking young? Males need information as well on breasts; knowing the details required in buying a fashionable brassiere may score you some points but do we know what is really important to save lives?

A few points about breasts this weekend is a great way to start the month of BREAST AWARENESS:

1. When it comes to breast cancer SIZE does not matter; a small breast has the same risk as a big pair.
2. TODAY is the BEST day to start examining your breasts. Learn to do it yourself and get a PROFESSIONAL to do same (relying on your partner to alert you if there is a problem with your breast is often an exercise in futility).
   1. Know the size, the skin colour, the texture, painful areas, lumps, discharges, what the nipple looks like.
3. Though men have a much lower risk of breast cancer, it may still occur in men and we should all examine our breasts.
4. Surely most breast lumps are not cancer BUT every lump needs to be examined by a professional thoroughly and appropriate tests done before we conclude that it is not cancerous.
5. Breast feeding does protect us from breast cancer but you may even detect breast cancer in a woman who is actively breastfeeding.
6. You may be the first person in your family to be diagnosed with breast cancer so do not assume that the lump or persistent pain or skin changes in your breast can not be cancer because no family member of yours has ever had breast cancer.
7. Yes the risk of breast cancer may be low in the younger age group but cancer is NO RESPECTOR of age so no matter how young you may be get to know your breasts
   1. Age 18 is a great time to start self-breast examination. Follow the advice of your doctor.
8. Give your breasts a chance to get some fresh air and some peace; wearing a brassiere 24 hours a day every day may not be a smart idea.
   1. Handle your breasts with care, avoid traumatizing them.
9. There are several FREE breast screening events this month. Kindly take advantage of one OR pay to have your breasts examined. It’s only a small price to pay compared to the hassle of cancer.
10. Breasts always need support so do spread the news about breast cancer and encourage, coerce, “force” all women you know to have a professional breast examination this month. You may be saving a life. Donate to a recognizable foundation to help support work on breast cancer.

In all this it’s important to know WHAT your breasts feel like NORMALLY so that you can tell when there is a change. START NOW!!

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

St Andrews Clinic/Health Essentials

(www.healthclubsgh.com)

Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER SAVES LIVES”