This weekend our focus is on what to look out for when examining our breasts. Do not rush to feel for lumps, there are many more changes that the eye can pick up before we touch.

An ideal time to do monthly self-examination is a week after one’s menses. For those who have reached menopause, pick a time of the month and stick to it.

Know these about your breast

• The size and shape
• Any areas that appear swollen
• What the skin looks like – any colour changes, any skin changes such as areas looking like an orange peel/skin, ulcers/sores or even a rash.
• Consistency or what the breast feels like; are there any lumps?
• Is the nipple pointed or retracted. Is there a nipple discharge?
• Always examine your armpit. The tail of your breast goes in there and may harbour something sinister.
• By all means examine the area under your collarbones.

Risk factors for breast cancer

We still do not know exactly what causes breast cancer but certain things have been associated with these cancers and they include:

• Age – the older you are the greater the risk
• Gender – being a woman automatically puts you at more risk.
• Family History (the gene factor is here) – our risk increases when a close family member has the cancer
• Personal History – when we have cancer in one breast the chance of it occurring in the other or even the same breast is increased
• Menstruation – Having first menses at an early age and reaching menopause late
• Race – white women at an increased risk but blacks have more aggressive varieties
• Alcohol use and fatty or cholesterol-laden foods increase the risk
• Having no children or the first child after 35yrs increases risk (not a reason to encourage teen-age pregnancies)
• Exposure to chest radiation
• Being overweight or obese increases risk
• Certain hormone therapies may increase risk
• Beware of breast implants

Some good news though;

• Breast feeding for one and a half to two years (can you imagine the number of men who cursed when they read this line?) may marginally reduce your risk. Current work schedules, fashion and spouse preferences may make this a difficult hurdle to overcome.
• Exercise pops up again as being a great way to reduce our risk
• “Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food” – Hippocrates. I do think he made a point that is still relevant today. Healthy eating makes a world of difference. Many theories exist but do not complicate your life with deciding if walnuts or mushrooms are better or if garlic reputed to drive away vampires is the magic wand for breast cancer. Eat your fruits, vegetables (vary the colours), increase fish (source of Omega-3 fatty acids) intake and you will strengthen your immune system.

Facts worth knowing

• No matter what you may have heard in the past, 8 out of 10 breast lumps ARE NOT CANCER but we HAVE TO extensively investigate every lump to ensure it is not cancer.
• It does not matter ones age. DO NOT assume breast cancer is only for the elderly. Even women in their 20s and 30s could get breast cancer. Breast Cancer is no respecter of age!!
• When it comes to breast cancer, size does not matter. Even very small lumps can be extremely aggressive cancers.
• You could be the first person in your family with breast cancer so DO NOT assume that since you do not have any family members with breast cancer, your breast lump cannot be cancerous.
• Many women believe that once the mammogram is normal then the lump they have been harbouring is not cancer. It is unfortunate I have to spoil the party; you may need additional tests on that breast with the lump to draw a conclusion and the tests may include an ultrasound, MRI or even a biopsy where a sample or the whole of the lump is taken out

Finally dear reader let’s put the following in action

• Early detection is great so women should do monthly self exam and probably examination by a healthcare professional yearly. Men should make sure we examine our breasts occasionally because though the risk of breast cancer is extremely low, it may still occur. Don’t be a statistic!
• Mammograms, Ultrasounds, MRIs etc. should be taken advantage of.
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy meal with a great portion of fruits, vegetables and omega -3 laden fish. But beware of fats and oil.
• If you intend to start a family, maybe you should before you are 30years and then breastfeed for as long as you can afford to.
• DEFINITELY make sure you alert at least one busy woman, one woman without access to information and one man, that breast cancer is real but a lot can be done when detected early.

Together we can all work to reduce the incidence of advanced breast cancer.

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

Health Essentials Ltd/ St Andrews Clinic

(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)

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

Thought for the week – “Early detection and effective treatment is the only cure for breast cancer.” – Dr. Florence Dedey.

References:

1. Breast Cancer Course for Health Professionals
2. www.mayoclinic.com
3. www.medicinenet.com/breast_cancer
4. Citifmonline
5. Mosby’s Ace the Boards
6. Breast Cancer in Ghana is Rising. Here’s how to prevent, detect and treat it. - Dr. Florence Dedey.