727-525-0900Being Breast Aware – The Importance of Regular Breast Examinations
Breast cancer, along with skin cancer, is the most common form of the disease in the US. Each year, there are approximately 231, 840 new cases of breast cancer in this country alone, and 40,290 deaths caused by the condition.
Regrettably, many of those deaths could have been prevented, had the woman in question been more aware of abnormalities occurring in her breasts. This is why being breast aware is so important.
Who is Most at Risk?
Based on current figures, it’s thought that roughly 12% of women will develop breast cancer in the US at some point in their lives. There are certain factors that increase the risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Age
- Tissue density
- Family history
- Personal health / reproductive history
- Body weight
- Alcohol consumption
- Race
Of all of these, family history and age are the most significant contributing factors. If you know you have cases of breast cancer in your family, or you’re an older woman, it’s especially important to regularly check your breasts.
Checking at Home – Basic Self-Check Methods
Some women feel a little uncomfortable or self-conscious about doing a self-check of their breasts. However, it’s mainly a matter of being familiar with how they feel and look – as this will help you to spot any major differences. Things to look out for include:
- Lumps or knots under the skin
- Any change in size of the breast
- Discharge or pain from the nipple
- Redness, itchiness or scaling of the skin
- Nipple retraction
If you experience any of the above, it’s important to have it checked out by a specialist as soon as possible.
Booking a Regular Breast Examination
In addition to examining yourself regularly at home, it’s advisable to have a professional, such as a specialist internist, check you on a fairly regular basis. This is a straightforward, routine examination, and is certainly nothing to be worried about. Best of all, it could actually help to save your life.
Book Your Appointment Today
Dr Kavita Rao and her team are highly qualified internists and specialize in providing breast examinations. If you’d like to find out more, simply call 727 525 0900 today.