Breast Cancer: How To Detect And Protect Yourself
The facts about breast cancer can be scary. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world (the first being lung cancer). Breast cancer was fatal to over half a million people worldwide in the year 2005. It is rated #5 among the most common forms of cancer in the world. Despite, these scary numbers, there are things you can do to help yourself when it comes to this cancer.
Normally, the first indication of breast cancer is a lump. This lump would feel decidedly different than other areas of the breast. Should you discover a breast lump, see your physician as soon as possible so that a mammogram can be scheduled to find out if there is a cause for concern.
There are other signs like change in size or shape of the breasts, the skin getting dimpled, nipple inversion or a discharge from a single nipple, etc. If there is pain in the breast it is time to go to the doctor. We cannot say for sure that it is a symptom of breast cancer but no harm checking as it could be something else.
Although these symptoms could indicate cancer, do not be overly concerned if you have any of them. Usually there is another explanation for these symptoms that is not related to cancer. This is not to say that you should ignore any problem. You should still visit your doctor if you have these symptoms, but there is no need to become unduly alarmed over what may turn out to be a false alarm.
What can you expect if you are diagnosed with breast cancer? Your physician and other medical professionals will carefully review your treatment options and explain the best courses of action. Unfortunately, some women are so fearful of mastectomy that they delay seeking medical help. You would be well advised never to let this concern delay life saving treatment.
Breast cancer is a scary subject, but it is a treatable disease. The odds of finding the disease early and keeping from becoming fatal are higher for those women who are proactive and perform monthly self-exams and regularly visit their health care practitioners. For those who are diagnosed with breast cancer, many support groups are available.
Breast cancer is a deadly disease, claiming over 502,000 people in 2005 alone. It is the fifth most common type of cancer. Every woman needs to know how to detect it early on and protect herself from this disease. If you find a lump your doctor can get you the appropriate tests, such as a mammogram, to make sure. One symptom does not mean that you have cancer. But if you are diagnosed, you have several treatment options. Don't delay telling your doctor about a lump for fear of having a mastectomy. Early detection is critical, and if the disease is caught early on it is highly treatable.
Published August 30th, 2008
Filed in Health
