How to Detect Breast Cancer Early

Detection of breast cancer at an early stage is crucial as it gives one better chances of cure. The recovery of the body will be more positive if treatment of cancer is begun at the initial stages of its development.

-The most common cancer in Australian women, representing 28% of all cancers in women is breast cancer.

-About 14,000 women are diagnosed each year.

-Although it can occur at any age, older women are more predisposed to the risk of breast cancer.

-69% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are in the age group of 40–69. About 25% of cases are diagnosed in women aged 70 and over.

-Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the commonest kind of cancer. Nearly 80% of women had IDC, while about 11% had invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

-About 130 men are diagnosed in Australia each year. This represents less than 1% of all breast cancers.

Breast Examination (Self/Clinical)

Every woman must know her breast; only when one is aware of the ordinary, anything out of the ordinary will catch one's eye and attention most importantly. Here are some warning signs that should not be ignored during a self-breast examination.

1) A new lump or feeling of lumpiness, especially in one breast.

2)A noticeable change in the size or shape of the breast, normally both breasts are not identical in shape or size but if any sudden increase is noticed then it should not be overlooked.

3) Change in and around the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion.

4) Discharge from the nipple that occurs without squeezing them.

5) Any changes in the skin surrounding of the breast such as redness, thickening or dimpled, puckered appearance.

6) A nagging tenderness, an unusual pain that has been persisting for quite some time and localized to one breast and not associated with the menstrual cycle.

7) Any lumpiness or thickening of skin around the armpits.

Head to an experienced physician or gynecologist if you come across any of the above scenario. A thorough clinical examination will be done by the doctor.

Undergoing a mammography.

It is advised that when a woman reaches her forties she should undergo an annual mammography screening at a specialized centre. Centres with digital mammography are best suited for women with dense breast tissue.

Automated breast ultrasound are the latest mode of screening for cancer in dense breast tissue. https://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/a/29832897/australia-first-detection-tool-could-boost-breast-cancer-diagnoses/

Biopsy

The doctor will suggest a biopsy following detection of an abnormal or unusual area in the patient's breast. During a biopsy, a small amount of tissue is removed from your breast which is sent to the pathologist for histopathological examination of cancer cells if any.

So leave behind any inhibitions or fear of what could go wrong and do the right thing for a healthier tomorrow.