Medical professionals urge women(young and old) to practice good health measures to detect breast abnormalities and possibly breast cancer. It has been reported that more than 250,000 women per year are diagnosed with breast cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer unfortunately increases by age. For example, medical professionals break down the odds like this: women between 20 and 40(there will be 1 out of 200 to develop breast cancer), women between 40 and 60(there will be 1 in 20 women to develop breast cancer) and women between 60 and 80(there will be 1 in 11 women to develop breast cancer). The biggest line of defense in breast cancer detection breast self exam(BSE) is described in several steps.
First, looking at the breasts in a mirror can highlight any problems like discharge, puckering, dimpling, and scaling. Some women choose to do this when in the shower because soapy water can bring out differences on the breasts.
By raising the left arm first, inspect the breast with the fingers on the right hand. Move in small circles towards the nipple. Note any changes-lumps or possible masses, especially near the armpit. Gently apply pressure to the nipple to note any discharge. Once you have completed the one side, begin the same technique on the right breast.
It is not recommended to do breast self exams during menstruation because changes in hormones could affect the breast tissue.
Another way to detect breast cancer is through a mammogram. A mammogram is a special type of X-ray device that highlights abnormalities in the breasts. Mammograms are recommended for women over the age of 35. Women less than 35 usually have other tests performed to detect breast abnormalities. Women over the age of 50 are recommended to have mammograms every 2 years and for women within the ages of 35(if changes are detected) and 50 are recommended to have a yearly mammogram.
Once breast abnormalities have been picked up by either self exams or mammograms, women need to see a specialist who deals with breast problems.
On a daily basis, women produce new tissue cells in their breast ducts. The cells main job is divide and re-multiply. When something goes wrong with the cell regeneration, abnormal cells are produced. The abnormal cells are usually found in the ducts and the milk glands (lobules). If the abnormal cells clump together and centered inside the ducts and lobules, this is called

Related Posts

• Fight Breast Cancer
• Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
• Stage 3 Breast Cancer
• What Are Some Of The Symptoms Of Breast Cancer?
• Why Does Breast Cancer Get More Attention And Funding Than Prostate Cancer?