Early detection of breast cancer is key to survival. If you discover a lump or notice any other changes in your breasts, it is crucial to take action promptly and see a doctor right away.
Here are some of the steps to stay on top of your breast health.
1️⃣ Self-Breast Examinations: Regular self-breast examinations are a simple yet powerful way to catch any changes early. Dedicate time each month to check your breasts and be familiar with how they normally look or feel.
2️⃣ Annual Breast Screening: Mammograms, Breast ultrasounds, Breast MRIs are some of the breast screening methods to enable you stay on top of your breast health.
3️⃣ Family History: Know your family's health history. Although most women diagnosed with breast cancer are the first in their family to have the condition, in some cases, women with a family history of breast cancer, especially if they have first degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) who have been diagnosed with the condition may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer themselves. Such women should start breast screening earlier than the recommended guidelines and should consider genetic testing.
4️⃣ Symptoms and Signs: Keep an eye out for warning symptoms and signs such as (i) lumps - hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area; (ii) swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast; (iii) dimpling or puckering of the skin; (iv) Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple or around the skin of the breast; (v) pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast; (vi) nipple discharge that starts suddenly; (vii) new pain in one spot of the breast that does not go away; (viii) change in the size or shape of the breast.
Ladies, ensure you do your regular breast checks. Remember, #EarlyDetection, #EarlyDiagnosis and #EarlyTreatment saves lives.⠀