Breast Cancer - Breast Cancer Self Diagnosis And When To See A Doctor
Aside
from the latter stages in breast
cancer, there is perhaps no other better way
to detect the possibility of breast cancer other
than conducting a self examination.
A regular self examination is
always advisable for women no matter what age
they may be. It must be asserted that females
no matter what age they may be can get breast
cancer; one is never too young to get this form
of cancer.
Particularly, it must be noted
that if a girl happens to get a menses earlier
than usual (before twelve years of age) there
is need to be concerned. This is because of the
fact that it is considered to increase the chances
of one getting breast
cancer. In addition to this sign there are
others as well. So, if one already has any one
of the warning signs, it is best for then to conduct
a self examination.
The
Importance Of Self- Examination
Self-examination is important because of the fact
that it is a reliable way of determining whether
one has lumps or swellings in the breast. Whether
these are cancerous or not is another question.
However, the importance is to first of all ascertain
whether lumps exist or not because this is the
first stage signal of breast cancer.
Keeping
Ahead Of Breast Cancer
In view of conducting a self-examination, it must
be said that checking for lumps in the breast
keeps one on top of the situation regarding breast
cancer. Since breast cancer can be detected in
its infancy through self-examining one’s
breasts or under arm, one can take appropriate
action immediately.
This means that one may take
an expert’s advice immediately and do whatever
is necessary. In the case of a lump one must never
delay seeking medical attention.
Though 86% of breast lumps turn
out to be harmless, it is never nice to take a
risk and not seek medical attention. Hence, conducting
a medical self-examination can lead one to early
intervention, which is just the beginning of the
process.
Of course there are other observations
that may be made in addition to feeling for lumps
in the breast. This includes sensing the feel
of a breast, and this refers to:
- The color,
- the texture,
- the shape, etc.
All of these points here may
not be the first to show up, which is why the
breast examination through touch is the best means
to detect the early stages of breast cancer. Through
the self-examination, not only is one able to
check the breasts but also the lymph nodes just
below the armpits. Checking these is also important
as they are chief targets of cancer. Instead of
beginning with medical examinations on a monthly
basis, it is better for one to conduct a self-examination.
Advantages
The advantage of this self-assessment is that
one does not need to spend anything and may even
conduct it as frequently as one likes. In addition
to this, one may be more satisfied when checking
for lumps rather than some body else doing it;
peace of mind would be easily achieved in this
way. |
