Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s Time!!!!

Breast cancer awareness is not something that should be considered only during October – the nationally recognized breast cancer awareness month. 

Rather – it should be a part of our lives on a daily basis.

Monthly self exams and a mammogram yearly will best ensure our health.

This note is lovingly sent to remind you to take care of yourself and if you have not had your mammogram this year… it’s time to make your appointment.

I just wanted to take the time to remind all the women on here to get your yearly breast cancer check up. You might not think it can happen to you but it can.

Breast cancer runs in my family. Five years ago this past July, we found out that my Aunt Tina had breast cancer. She went in for a check up and they found it.  She had gone in for a check up two years before that when she felt a lump, but the doctors told her it wasnt anything to worry about, it was jsut a fat tissue. She waited two more years til her next check up. Unfortunately, she didnt go for a second opinion or for a yearly. She had to have a full masectomy (breast removal), and all of her lymph nodes removed. But that wasnt enough to get all the cancer. She had to endure two rounds of chemo and a round of raidiation before she was cured. The raidiation left burns on her chest, and the chemo made her hair fall out. She always remained positive which I think is a big help. She’s been in remission now for a little over 3 years. If you dont think breast cancer can happen to you, remember my aunt didnt think so either. It makes me cry thinking of all the pain she went through. So please, for all the women who have gotten breast cancer, for my Aunt Tina, for your family and friends, get your check up done yearly. You should also do a self test every month to check for lumps.

This is very important if in the future something does change you will notice it right away and see your doctor. Monthly breast self exam should be performed every month on the same day of the month. The best time is the a week after your period. Your breasts will not be sore and easier to check. If you are not having a monthly period than pick a date you can easily remember and make that date the day for checking. You can do this in the shower or lying on your bed. It is important to do a complete check including the arm pits and area between your breasts. Breast exam is not limited to just the breasts. The exam includes the nipples and areolas ( the brown part around the nipple). Its important to notice any color changes in nipples and areolas, any discharge from the nipples, or any other irregularities. Look for a lump, hard knot, or skin that thickens or dimples. Nipples should be gently pinched to see any discharge including blood. Any discharge should be reported top your doctor. Go for regular breast exams and Pap tests. Ask about a mammogram.

Lying down:
 Place a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right hand under your head. Check your entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand. Use small circles and follow an up-and-down pattern. Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of your breast. Gently squeeze the nipple for any discharge. Repeat these steps on your left breast.

Before a mirror:
 With your hands at your sides, look at your breasts for changes in the size, shape and contour of each breast. Check for puckering, dimpling or changes in skin texture. By gently squeezing both nipples, look for discharge. Repeat the exam with your hands on your hips, then above your head

In the shower:
 Put your right hand under your head. The wetness of the shower will make it easier for you to feel lumps. Check your entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand. Use small circles and follow an up-and-down pattern. Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of your breast. Gently squeeze the nipple for any discharge. Repeat these steps on your left breast.