Online Writing by Fran Aslam

Breast Cancer Screening is the Best Preventive Measure Along with Lifestyle Changes

When it comes to breast cancer facts, first question that comes to mind is, who is at risk for Breast Cancer? All women are at risk for breast cancer. Though it can attack any body men or women but breast cancer research and statictis shows the numbers of men to attract this deadly problem is so less that most of the time people in general address women only. Breast cancer statistics are the obvious proof that breast cancer has higher risk for women.

Some women have a higher risk than others, but then again there are several examples where it has been noticed that it can happen to any body any time and without notice. Once it goes unnoticed because it develops silently inside the body, it is very hard to treat it. There is pain, suffering and care required. It makes the person away from real life situation and friend and family cutting time to pay attention to the person who gets it.  Early detection of cancer provides the greatest possibilities of successful treatment and for early detection you have to continue breast cancer testing on a regular basis.

That is why early detection is very important. Simply follow this three step plan all the time to catch it early, with lifestyle changes, so you get the proper treatment and get rid of it as soon as possible.

 1. Breast Self Examination (BSE)

The American Society recommends breast cancer self exam. Self exam can be adopted as a monthly preventive measure from the age of twenty years. The purpose of self exam is many fold that will help you understand how to check early signs of breast cancer.

•   Breast Self exam will familiarize with breast problems if and when it occur and will help to note any changes that takes place.
•   Changes in the size
•   Any pain
•  lump
•   redness
•   Scaliness
•  nipple abnormalities, turning inwards
•  dimpling

or any other similar changes. When monthly exam is not normal consult your health care provider immediately for more check ups.

This is the first and very important step for taking care of the preventive measures for breast cancer. It is very simple and easy to do. You just do it on the same day of the month, as it doesn’t take much time, it will become a routine lifestyle for you.

2. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)

A clinical breast examination is a check up that is usually included in the annual physical. It is usually conducted by a health professional expert like a doctor or a nurse practitioner. This kind of check up is the second step in the breast cancer prevention. It is to be done every three years after the age of twenty.

The American cancer Society recommends to get this done from the age of 20 to 39 every 3 years.

During this exam the health care provider will talk about your medical background. Questions about your health, regular menstrual cycle, pregnancy, age of the first child, family history, will be asked. All this is to conclude the check possibility of early signs of breast cancer.

For the exam you have to undress from waist and up. You must not wear any fragrance or deodorant. The health care provider will conduct the check up. It does not take too long.

 3. Mammogram Screening – Complete Breast Screening

This is a technique that uses very low rays imaging of the breast to detect changes that may occur due to early signs for breast cancer even before a lump starts showing, in the early stages. Mammography Screening is a most common procedure that started in 1969 as it has a very low level of radiation. It can also find other breast problems if any exist in the x-ray. However a biopsy is required in this situation.

How often is it required for the prevention of breast cancer?  It is required every two years for people 50-74. However American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for all women 40 and older.

Along with mammogram screening, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also recommended. It uses magnets and radio waves (not x-ray) to produce very detailed cross sectional images.

These are the three major steps that are to be followed to detect breast cancer that makes treatment and successful healing easy to achieve. Keep in mind genetic factors and life style changes with these three steps. Breast cancer survival rates are much higher, when it is detected early. Therefore, follow mammography screening and breast self examination for breast cancer prevention along with lifestyle changes that were discussed in the previous post.

Until next time

Related posts:

1. Breast Cancer Prevention with Easy Lifestyle Changes
2. Breast Cancer Symptoms Signs and 2011 Estimates for Men and Women
3. October 2011 Calendar Lists Several Health Awareness Activities
4. Sept 2011 Calendar Lists Childhood Obesity Prevention Month
5. 12 Tips for Childhood Obesity Prevention and Setting Examples

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