28 September 2022Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it is estimated that 1 in 13 women will develop the disease at some point in their lives. While the cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, there are a number of risk factors that have been identified, including family history, age, and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. For example, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and veggies, limiting alcohol consumption, and even breastfeeding can all help to decrease the chances of developing breast cancer.
Self-Examination and Screening for Breast Cancer
Another important step is regular self-examination, clinical breast exam and mammogram. They can help to detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, as breast cancer is typically much easier to treat when it is caught in its earliest stages.
Regular self-examination can help you to become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of your breasts, making it more likely that you will notice any changes. If you detect any abnormalities like a lump in the breast, you should go for a checkup even before your regularly scheduled clinical breast exam or mammogram. Clinical breast exams are performed by healthcare professionals and can also help to identify lumps or other changes, while mammography is a low-dose x-ray that can detect tumours that are too small to be felt by hand.
While regularly checking your breasts for cysts or abnormalities,, they are especially critical for those with a family history of breast cancer. This is why clinical screenings are important for all women. If you have any concerns about your risk factors, talk to your doctor about the best examination and screening schedule for you. By increasing awareness and taking preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of breast cancer.
Self-Examination for Breastfeeding Mummies
Mummies who are breastfeeding should also continue with regularly self-examining their breasts for cysts or other abnormalities. While it is rare, it is still possible to develop breast cancer during the breastfeeding period, in part due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Screening and diagnosing for breast cancer during lactation is harder because lactation causes issues similar to the symptoms of breast cancer. Additionally, mammograms and breast ultrasounds results may be inaccurate or inconclusive during lactation. Due to these reasons, it is even more pertinent for breastfeeding mothers to perform regular self-examinations.
Breast lumps are in fact common during breastfeeding. They're usually harmless and easily treatable. Some lumps disappear after nursing, while others persist beyond weaning. Lumps caused by plugged milk ducts, engorgement, or mastitis are best evaluated by a healthcare professional. With self-examination during the breastfeeding period, it’s hard to tell which breast lumps and cysts are harmless and related to breastfeeding and which ones require breast cancer related screening. Therefore, it’s always best to speak to a doctor, especially when your breast cysts do not get better, continue to grow, do not move within the breast tissue, or cause the skin to dimple.
How to Do a Breast Self-Examination
While breast self-examinations are not a substitute for regular mammograms and professional screening, they can be an important way to detect early signs of breast cancer. Here are some tips on how to perform a breast self-examination:
First, it is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel. This way, you will be more likely to notice any changes. Examine your breasts in the mirror, look for any changes in size, shape, or appearance. Then, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to examine your left breast and vice versa. Use a light, circular motion to feel the entire breast and armpit area. Finally, perform a seated self-examination by placing a pillow behind your back and again using a light, circular motion. Be sure to examine both the upper and lower parts of your breasts, as well as your armpits, lifting and moving your arms as necessary.
If you notice any changes in your breasts, make an appointment with your doctor. However, most breast changes are not cancerous, especially when breastfeeding. Still, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to breast health.
Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness
Here at Marian’s Lactation Boost, we are fully behind breast health and breast cancer awareness. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are having up to 20% discounts between 5th to 10th October 2022 (T&Cs apply) on our lactation cookies and other lactation products to boost milk supply. Whether you’re a breastfeeding or expectant mother, or looking for a gift for a loved one, join us in raising awareness for breast cancer.
