You have a fear of regular self-breast examination (breast self-exam) or do you castigate yourself for not doing this? Should not be much to worry about, the largest organization of oncologists do not believe this method is mandatory. But what is the alternative?
Oncologists believe that women should be vigilant about the possibility of this disease. This means that you need to know well, as usual your Breasts look, be able to see any changes in a timely manner to seek help.
Self-examination has been considered an important tool in early diagnostics of cancer, especially before the era of mammography. Many doctors and currently not argue with the fact that it can save lives. However, large studies and Russian data, showed that a significant reduction in mortality among women, owning a technique of self-examination, is not found.
Studies on this topic have some limitations, and experts understand it. So, even women who own methods of self-examination, often do not spend it each month or doing it wrong. Scientists are also concerned that women, examining the mammary glands by conventional techniques, usually performed unnecessary x-ray examination and biopsy.
Insufficiency of evidence of benefit of self-examination and mentioned its side effects has led to the fact that the lead drafters of the guidelines for breast cancer, including the American College of obstetrics and gynecology (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), the American cancer society (American Cancer Society) began to depart from this recommendation.
However, many physicians still support self-examination, arguing that it could lead to earlier treatment and better survival. Also it is saved in the recommendations a number of major resources, for example, Breastcancer.org.
Professor Lisa Jacobs (Lisa Jacobs) from the school of medicine at the Johns Hopkins (Johns Hopkins Medicine) said that it should be discutable, does this method in individual usage.
Which means vigilant about breast cancer
Michigan University Professor mark Pearlman (Mark Pearlman), who participated in the development of the leadership of the American College of obstetrics and gynecology (ACOG), said that half of women over the age of 50 years and 70% are under 50 years of self-discover breast cancer. He says to devote time to the state of the mammary glands can be during your daily routine e.g. taking a shower or wearing a bra.
What should include it? ACOG describes it as knowledge of their Breasts and note any changes in them. On the School site John Hopkins medicine says that personal vigilance is not regulated by any specific methodology or schedule.
Susan George. Komen (Susan G. Komen), the founder of one of the funds for the fight against breast cancer, gives a more extensive definition. She recalls that a woman must know your risk of developing breast cancer, including family history of the disease. Also it is necessary to do all recommended health checks and to know what lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cancer. Here is its algorithm:
1. Know your risk
- Find out your family history, whether there was someone in the family breast cancer.
- Talk about your risks with your doctor.
2. Properties
- If you have a high risk, discuss screening with your doctor.
- Need a mammogram annually if you are over 40, if you have no increased risk.
3. Know your rate.
- Visit of the physician in the detection of seals in the mammary glands and axillary region, changing the shape of the breast, edema, redness, change in nipple and other deviations from your personal norm.
4. Choose a healthy lifestyle
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol.
- If possible, after birth, breastfeeding
Ukrainian Andrei