The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today, I’d just like to remind us of the importance of early detection and regular screening for cancer.
In many cases, the sooner cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better a person’s chance for a full recovery. If you develop cancer, you can improve the chance that it will be detected early if you have regular medical checkups and do certain self-exams.
The American Cancer Society recommends these screening guidelines for most adults:
Breast Cancer
1. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health
2. Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over
3. Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
As ladies, we should endeavor to carry out a breast self exam regularly and, like stated above, report any breast change to a doctor. By doing BSE, women learn what looks and feels normal for their breasts, and they are more likely to find a change.
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Let us spread this word and also practice it. We shouldn’t loose more women to cancer in situations that can really be avoided.
Have a great day!
SL
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