Put Your Health First
Why is it that so many women think nothing of spending hundreds of dollars a months on beauty treatments, visits to the hair salon, and sessions under the sun bed?
But those very same women invest so little time in comparison to looking after their bodies from the inside. Being body conscious costs absolutely nothing, yet so few people place it high on their life’s list of priorities.
Breast Awareness
From late teens onwards it is the responsibility of all women to look after their health. Breast cancer is one of the largest causes of death in young women, yet so few women heed this warning.
Being ‘breast aware’ can be potentially life saving, and despite education and campaigns, many still remain ignorant.
It is advisable that women should carry out a breast self examination (BSE) once a month, avoiding the time just before their monthlies (as hormones may cause breast lumps that are not sinister and go away after a few days).
The technique is simple and can be carried out during a daily shower or bath. The examination entails pressing the tips of the fingers with moderate force against the breast tissue, and moving the hand in a rotational pattern, covering the entire surface of the breast and underarm.
If you notice anything that is not ‘normal’ for you, such as any of the following, consult a doctor promptly:
- Unusual lumps or sore patches
- ’Puckering’ or tighening to the skin surface
- Unusual presentation of the nipple (change in colour, appearance)
- Is there any liquid discharge from the nipple?
- Does one breast hang different to the other?
Simple Explanations
Some changes in women’s breasts are perfectly normal, or have innocent explanations. Women experience breast cysts which are sore nodules on the inside of the breast tissue. It may be necessary to have the fluid from the cyst drained, which is a relatively minor procedure under anesthesia.
At certain points in a women’s menstrual cycle the breasts may appear different. They can enlarge, and may become swollen and painful, however if identified on or immediately before your period, this is likely to be an innocent change.
Get familiar with your body. What may be normal for you, could be abnormal for somebody else, so it is important never to compare.
If You’re Not Sure
If during an examination you discover something that you think is not ‘normal’ for you, don’t just ignore it. No matter how small the change, if you don’t get it checked out you could be putting your life at risk.
Don’t ever concern yourself that you are troubling your doctor unnecessarily. Doctors would much prefer to see a concerned patient at first presentation of a problem, that later down the line when an aggressive tumor has taken hold.
The message here is that you can never be too careful. Listen to your body.
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