PINK OCTOBER BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but the risk increases with age.

Pink October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to emphasize the importance of early detection in saving lives. In fact, when breast cancer is detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 99%, according to the American Cancer Society.

Self Breast Exam (SBE)

Self-breast exams (SBEs) play a vital role in early detection. Approximately 40% of breast cancers are found by women themselves during these self-exams. By becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of the breasts, women can more easily identify any unusual changes, such as lumps or swelling. SBEs should be performed at least once a month and typically take less than 5 minutes to do. This awareness empowers individuals to seek medical advice promptly.

1.Examine in the mirror with hands on hips .2. Examine by raising both arms. 3. With the palm side of the middle 3 fingers, examine the armpit. Repeat on the other side.

4. Motion the fingers to palpate in a vertical and circular direction along the entire breast. Repeat on the other side. 5. Squeeze and palpate the nipple. Repeat on the other side.6. Repeat steps 3-5 while laying down.

What are we looking for on SBE?

• Lumps or masses: feel for any hard lumps or knots that differ from surrounding tissue.
• Changes in size or shape: look for any noticeable changes or asymmetry between the breasts.
• Skin changes: check for dimpling, puckering, redness, swelling, or rashes on the breast skin.
• Nipple changes: be aware of any inversion, changes in position, or unusual discharge from the nipple.
• Texture changes: note any areas that feel unusually hard or rubbery compared to the rest of the breast.