#TimetoendBreastcancer

In India, 1 in every 28 women are diagnosed with Breast cancer. In South Africa 1 in every 26 women are diagnosed with Breast cancer. Increasing awareness on Breast cancer has opened windows for women to discuss their fear and has helped in educating women on self-examination of breast at home. Even though, pink October is over, we should continue spreading awareness on this topic throughout the year to end Breast cancer. Hence, taking that initiative with my sister and dermatologist, Dr. (Capt.) Deepti Dhillon, this blog post talks about self-examination techniques and how one can reduce risks related to Breast cancer.

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Self-examination along with mammogram test after the age of 40 increases the chances of early detection of breast cancer and hence, cure.

Every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with Breast cancer

How to reduce risks:

· Do monthly breast self examinations

· Go for regular screening (clinical breast examination)

· Symptom-free women should go for mammogram every year specially after the age of 40 years

· Reduce consumption of alcohol and smoking

· Regular exercise

Self-examination Technique at home:

Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important

Many women find lumps or changes in their breasts, since some of these are normal changes that occur at various points in the menstrual cycles. Finding a change or lump in your breast is not a reason to panic. Breasts often feel different in different places. A firm ridge along the bottom of each breast is normal, for instance. The look and feel of your breasts will change as you age.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:

· A hard lump or knot near your underarm

· Changes in the way your breasts look or feel, including thickening or prominent fullness that is different from the surrounding tissue

· Dimples, puckers, bulges or ridges on the skin of your breast

· A recent change in a nipple to become pushed in (inverted) instead of sticking out

· Redness, warmth, swelling or pain

· Itching, scales, sores or rashes

· Bloody nipple discharge

Help spread awareness on Breast cancer and educate women around you as it is #timetoendBreastcancer

#pinkoctober #breastcancerawareness #awarenessmonth #cancerawarenesscampaign #educateyourself