since my sister was first diagnosed with breast cancer, i've been very aware of personal breast health. believe it or not, it wasn't until i started selling avon (a company that donates significant sums of money to breast cancer research and strongly champions breast cancer awareness) that i realized how important it is to TALK about it. i'm amazed by the number of women i know who do not perform regular self-exams! especially women who practice NFP! if you chart (through CLC booklets), you are reminded on "day 6" of every cycle to perform this potentially life-saving exam. hellooo? c'mon ladies. you know your breasts better than anyone else.
if you find any lumps, thickenings, or changes, tell your doctor right away. . .breast cancer may be successfully treated if you find it early. by the grace of God, early detection has given my sister a second chance at life.
the american cancer society guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer:
if you are 20-39, have a clinical breast exam by your health care provider at least every three years and do a breast self-exam each month.
if you are are 40 and over, have a mammogram as well as a clinical breast exam by your health care provider every year and do a breast self-exam each month.
you can ask your doctor to teach you the proper way to do a thorough breast self-exam.
if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines and scheduling with your doctor.
for more information about breast cancer, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit their website www.cancer.org.
Amen, Smock, amen.
Way to go. Ask your friends when they had their last mammogram. Go together. If you life in Houston, Texas you can go to the GALLERIA for a day of lunch, shopping and a mammogram at the center there.
Please, if you haven't had a gyn exam and a mammogram call today for an appointment.
Ellana
Okay, I'm guilty. But I've been pregnant and/or nursing a baby ever since October 2001. My breasts change multiple times a DAY right now. I gave up monthly BSE because it was too stressful to worry over a lump, only to have it disappear/shrink/move within a few hours.
I promise I'll take it up again just as soon as the baby weans...
If you are worried about the cost of a mammogram, there are programs in many states that will pay for a clinical breast exam and mammogram. The BCCP (breast and cervical cancer prevention) program is one in which I am proud to participate. Patients who have no insurance and who have income below the guidelines (family sensitive) can see ME (or another qualified provider) for a female physical, counselling, and (if appropriate) referral for mammography or other imaging techniques.
My personal policy is that if I feel an abnormal mass, I get imaging (mammo or US) and send the mom to see the surgeon for a second opinion. The youngest I have picked up (personally) is a 32 y/o woman - childless - who just came in to see me before starting her chemo.
So, do your exam (once a month is just fine) and if you find something that bothers you, wait a week, check again, and if it is still there call your health care provider! Don't take no for an answer if you are worried!
Risk factors for breast cancer - being female, getting older, being childless (especially if 1st pregnancy was intentionally aborted), not breastfeeding, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, using supplemental estrogen (birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy)(risk increases with duration of therapy more than with increasing dosage).
THANKS LADIES!