October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The aim of the month and the campaigns is important, because it is a way to increase awareness of the disease, and raise funds for research into cancer causes, treatments, and a possible cure.
Additionally, the campaign also reduces the stigma linked to the symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. Another aspect of raising awareness is prioritising public education.
The symptoms of breast cancer include any changes in the size or the shape of the breast; pain in any area of the breast; nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood); and a new lump in the breast or underarm.
The risk factors of the disease span across gender, age, race, family history and genetic factors, personal health history, certain genome changes, and dense breast tissue.
One can self examine by looking in a mirror and putting your arms down by your sides.
Look for any changes in breast shape, as well as for swelling or lumps.
Manually examine your breast while standing. Use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa. You can also self examine while lying down. When you lie down, your breast tissue spreads more evenly. This makes it a good position to feel for changes, especially if your breasts are large.
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice a lump or any other changes in how your breast tissue feels; experience an irregular or bloody discharge from your nipple; dimpling, redness or swelling of your skin; and changes in the direction of your nipple such as turning inward.
