Big or small, let's save them all

• Breast cancer caused 685,000 deaths globally in 2020.

• Roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.

• Breast cancer occurs in every country in the world.

• Worldwide, breast cancer claims the lives of about 500,000 people each year.

• When breast cancer is found in its early stages, almost 90% of patients live for several years after diagnosis.

The term breast cancer is quite common in the community of women, but for most, it remains only a term. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in South Africa, yet there remains a lack of seriousness in breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Several studies show that early detection of breast cancer can lead to approximately 90% successful treatment, thus highlighting the importance of early detection and vigilance for both men and women. The easiest, cheapest, and most comfortable way for women to act early and prevent long-term damage from breast cancer is to perform regular at-home self-breast exams and keep to the recommended schedules for pap smears and breast exams.

Here's a step-by-step guide to your monthly breast self-exam:

STANDING UP

STEP 1:

With both hands by your side, check for any changes in size, color, texture, and shape.

STEP 2:

Lift both hands above your head and see if both breasts lift together.

STEP 3:

With your hands on your hips, press your elbows together and bend forward. See if both breasts fall forward together.

STEP 4:

Now raise your one arm and in circular motions use 3 fingers to examine your breast.

In a circular pattern start at the outer top and move towards the nipple, pressing firmly enough to feel the underlying tissue.

Feel for any abnormal lumps or hard knots on the breast and especially the armpit area above the breast.

Repeat on the other breast.

LYING DOWN

STEP 1:

Place one arm/hand under your head and use the opposite hand to repeat step 4.

STEP 2:

Inspect each nipple for discharge by lightly squeezing them.

Breast self-exams should be done monthly. Report any irregularities to your primary care physician, gynecologist, or health care providers.

What to look out for:

• Bleeding or discharge from nipples

• Dimpling of skin

• Any lumps or hard knots

• changes in shape, size, color, or texture

• sunken in nipples

As said before, early detection is key in preventing and successfully treating breast cancer. Therefore in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month, make a self breast exam part of your monthly routine starting now.

Big or small, let's save them all.