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AIRPORT VOICE, OCTOBER 2021 29
Cancer selfexaminations
Get Checked and Check Yourself
In addition to scheduling clinical screenings and mammograms, women
should routinely examine and massage their breasts to detect any abnormalities.
These breast self-exams can be an important part of early breast cancer
detection.
Although many women are aware that they should become familiar with their
bodies, many are unsure about just how frequently they should conduct breast
examinations. Experts at Johns Hopkins Medical center advise adult women of
all ages to perform self-examinations at least once a month. That’s because 40
percent of diagnosed breast cancers are first detected by women who feel a
lump. Establishing a regular breast self-exam schedule is very important.
Begin by looking at the breasts in a mirror. Note the size and appearance of
the breasts, and pay attention to any changes that are normal parts of hormonal
changes associated with menstruation. Breasts should be evenly shaped without
distortion or swelling.
Changes that should cause concern include dimpling, puckering, or bulging
of the skin. Inverted nipples or nipples that have changed position, as well as any
rash or redness, should be noted. In addition, the same examination should be
done with arms raised over the head.
The breasts should be felt while both lying down and standing up. Use the
right hand to manipulate the left breast and vice versa. Use a firm touch with the
first few fingers of the hand. Cover the entire breast in circular motions. The pattern
taken doesn’t matter so long as it covers the entire breast. All tissue, from the
front to the back of the breast, should be felt.
It is important not to panic if something is detected. Not every lump is breast
cancer. And bumps may actually be normal parts of the breast, as certain areas
can feel different than others. But bring any concerns to the attention of your
doctor.
Youth & breast health
Talk with your children
Parents to preteen and teenage daughters may have many things on their
minds as their children grow older. Young women entering puberty are entering
periods marked by unique physical changes, and families may find themselves
facing the topic of menstruation and family life before they know it.
The Canadian Women’s Health Network notes that research indicates a gradual
decline in the average age of puberty onset in North American women, with
menstruation occurring earlier and earlier. This may be attributed to decreased
rates of disease and increased nutrition. Sandra Steingraber, a medical researcher
who has done groundbreaking work on the links between environmental
health contaminants and cancer, says puberty also may be tied to environmental
changes, namely exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Puberty-related physical changes may now occur in girls as young as 8 or 9.
ObGyn.net says that the average age for menarche, or first menstruation, in the
United States is age 12.16 for black girls and 12.88 for caucasian.
Parents and young women between the ages of 10 and 15 should realize that
menarche and menstruation in general is a critical mark in the reproductive life of
women and should prepare for its arrival. A menstrual period generally can last
between two and seven days, and during, an average amount of two tablespoons
of blood is shed. An entire menstrual cycle for girls and teens ranges from 21 to
45 days, offers Kids Health.
Each girl is different, but menstruation generally occurs within two to four
years of other signs of puberty, such as breast budding and growth of underarm
and pubic hair. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends
that teenagers schedule a first gynecologic visit between the ages of
13 and 15, particularly if menstruation has started.
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
Early Detection Saves Lives
Fight Breast Cancer
Never Let Up
/ObGyn.net