Women of all ages are now prone to breast cancer provided the sedentary lifestyle adopted by them. Exposure to smoke, alcohol, harmful radiation and chemicals, metabolic syndrome, hormonal treatment, and stress are common reasons behind breast cancer. Early detection holds the key.
Understanding Breast Self-Exams and Mammograms
One of the most reliable methods for detecting breast cancer early, mammograms are X-ray images of the breast that detect abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue, even before a lump is large enough to be felt.
Breast self-exams are performed at home to allow women to feel their breasts and help them to notice any lumps, changes, or abnormalities by touch and sight that could signal the need for further medical evaluation.
Clinical breast exams is an important method of early detection performed by a healthcare provider who physically examines your breasts for lumps or other abnormalities.
When to Perform Early Detection?
Despite age being just a number, breast cancer is a common ailment in women with age ranging from 20 to 70. However, it is critical to take up specific tests and diagnose any cancerous presence:
- Age group – 20s and 30s: Clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years.
- Age group – 40 and above: Regular mammograms and clinical breast exam annually.
- Age group – Above 45: Mammograms bi-annually.
What else Other than Regular Screenings?
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Having a good body mass index
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle
- Quitting smoke and limiting drinks
- Practising yoga/exercise regularly
Taking care of your overall health is essential for early detection and prevention. Watch this insightful session with Dr. Namratha S on women’s health and wellness
Break the Common Barriers to Breast Cancer Screenings
It is our duty to deal with anything that walks in and not fear away and breakdown even if it is breast cancer. Due to fear, lack of time, or misconceptions about the discomfort of the mammogram procedure, women often skip or miss these screenings.
Education and awareness programs are a good way of spreading the message. Rural areas must have health camps where the women are given detailed sessions on symptoms and treatment for breast cancer. Hiding your ailment is no solution. Break the barrier, face the fear.
How to Outsmart Breast Cancer?
Here are a few simple yet wise practices to outsmart breast cancer in women:
- Lifestyle management helps to defeat cancer.
- Avoid hormone therapy for menopause.
- Don’t take birth control pills at regular intervals.
- Keep weight under control.
- Regular check ups
Beat the Heat: Save Life Before Too Late
Early detection of breast cancer through mammograms and self-exams is a vital part of prevention and successful treatment. Regular screening via any suitable method can help detect breast cancer up to 3 years before physical symptoms appear.
With advanced treatment and access to early detection techniques, women have successfully fought breast cancer and have come back with valor and glory every next day. Get your screening done today!
Better late than never…
