Breast cancer is the most common cancer that can strike women followed by cervical. colorectal, oral, and thyroid EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES. These cancers are successfully treated if diagnosed early.
I had it in 1998 when I felt a lump on my left breast. So I had an ultrasound and was told I had a solid mass measuring about 2X3 cm. This was also confirmed by a mammogram and it turned out that I also had another one in my opposite breast. . I proceeded to see a surgeon and was advised to have a biopsy. Biopsy gave a diagnosis of intraductal carcinoma. After hearing the diagnosis I feel my world grounded to a sudden halt. I felt I was given a death sentence. Thoughts ran in my mind- What will happen to my family? At that time, I had a 6-year old son who is still very young even to understand what big C is all about. Though, I can prepare myself on the eventuality, but is my family ready to face the challenge of accepting the reality? .The thoughts of leaving my son young enough to take care of himself devasted me and my husband. What if it has metastasized to other organs and I ask myself myself what does the future awaits my family?
I underwent modified radical mastectomy of both breast and it was staged as Stage II b because it involved both breast. Thank God it has not spread out to the nodes and other organs. After the surgery I had the option not to go on chemotherapy since it was just confined to the breast. The oncologist though convinced me to go on chemo but I opted for no chemotherapy after praying hard for guidance. That was almost 8 years ago now here here I am now free of the disease. However, I still undergo battery of test yearly to check on metastasis.
After what I went through I would like to share with you some tips for early detection:.
- For women ages 16 to 35 years old she should have breast examination by a physician every 3 years until she turns 40 years old. Afterwhich breast examination should be done yearly. The basic diagnostic examinations are breast ultrasound and mammogram.
- Self examination is also important. While doing self examination watch for changes in size, breast dimpling, swelling , nipple discharge, swollen lymph nodes under the armpit.. For details : http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp
3.Menstruating women should do breast self-exam a few days after their periods end.
4. Women who use oral contraceptives should do breast self exam on the first day of a new pill
pack.
5.Post-menopausal non-menstruating women should pick a day and do breast self exam on the
same day each month. Notify your physician immediately if you notice any changes or lumps.
Breast self exam should be a routine part of every woman's life. Talk to your daughters or
relatives about the importance of breast self exam so it will become a routine part of their lives.
There is no cure for cancer but the message I would like readers to know is there are ways to detect it early. So do self breast examination now.
