The 'Be Breast Aware' Series
Answers to the ‘W’s’ Pertaining to Non-Malignant Breast Disorders
May 14, 2009
Of all the organs in a woman’s body, the one that is multifunctional in a sense that it not only indicates health, but also embodies femininity and is an important physical asset is - the breast.
With breast cancer numbers surging across the globe and a host of information available to people, it is often hard to dissociate any breast abnormality from breast cancer. From writing countless articles on the internet to organising marches and walks, from participating in fundraising events to promoting research and dedicating an entire month to the cause of breast cancer awareness, we have done it all. But the fact is- nine out of ten women only have benign breast issues.
A woman's breasts are subjected to a series of changes throughout their lifetime. These changes are attributed to volatile hormonal fluctuations occurring from puberty to menopause. Fortunately, these changes are healthy and leave most women with some form of benign breast condition at some point in their lifetime.
Most women today are abreast with latest information and practice self-examination of breasts periodically. This has, to some extent, helped diagnose breast cancer early in some cases. And if found benign, these techniques can aid in prompt and effective treatment. The American Cancer Society too has laid down some guidelines for breast examination that helps determine if an anomaly of the breast exists, they being:
- Women 20 years of age and older should perform breast self-examination every month. Women 20-39 should have their breasts physically examined by a healthcare practitioner at least every three years.
- Women between 20-39 years should also perform monthly breast self-examination.
- Women 40 years of age and older should have a physical or a clinical examination of the breast every year, performed by a health care practitioner. Monthly breast self-examination should also be performed.
- Women 40 years of age and older should have a screening mammogram every year in addition to annual clinical breast self-examination and monthly breast self-examination.
It is but natural for fear and panic to grip any woman who notices changes or lumps in her breast. Therefore, along with information on breast cancer, adequate information on non-malignant or harmless breast issues needs to be provided. This series is aimed at answering a few ‘W’s’-what, why, when, where etc., pertaining to some of those non- malignant breast issues and emphasising enough that not all breast issues mean cancer. Be breast aware!
Article 1: Nipple Discharge- Nipple Disorder That Does Not Mean Cancer
Article 2: Fibroadenomas- Lumps That Don't Mean Cancer
Article 3: Breast Cysts- Fluid Filled Lumps That Don't Mean Cancer
Article 4: Breast Abscess- Pus Filled Spaces Within Breasts That Don't Mean Cancer
Article 5: Breast Pain- The Actual Diagnosis of Painful Breasts Or Mastalgia
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