Early Detection: The Breast Self-Exam

Adult women should perform a breast self-exam once a month. Using body lotion, such as Passion Massage Lotion, will make it easier for your fingers to slide across the skin of your breast as you look for changes like size, lumps, dimples or puckers, or unusual nipple discharge. If you discover something you didn’t notice before – don’t panic, make an appointment with your doctor. 80% of breast abnormalities are NOT cancerous. Even if you don’t notice any differences, you should have an annual physical each year as a precaution.

• Between ages 20-39, have an annual physical and request a breast examination by your medical practitioner; perform monthly breast self-examinations at home
• Plan to have your first mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40 and every two years until age 50; annually thereafter
• Keep a personal calendar to remind yourself of your monthly self-exam and doctor appointments
• Eat a low fat diet, exercise regularly, and don’t drink or smoke

Breast cancer is a disease where cancerous cells form in breast tissue. There are many different types of breast cancer. No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, but research has shown that certain risk factors make some women more susceptible to developing the disease. Please note you should always discuss any concerns you have with your primary physician. Even if you can relate to one or many of the possible risk factors identified below, it does not mean you WILL get breast cancer. Some common risk factors include:

• Starting your period before 12 or not starting menopause before 55
• Never given birth or if your first child was born after 30
• Women in general over the age of 65
• Family history of breast cancer
• Eating a diet high in saturated fat or are obese
• Having had radiation therapy in the chest area
• Having dense breast tissue
• Taking birth control pills for at least ten years
• Drinking alcoholic beverages daily

Three Common Myths and Misconceptions

• Deodorant Causes Breast Cancer – This urban myth is making waves via email and websites. Deodorant usage is not a leading cause of breast cancer. The myth that deodorant causes breast cancer is based upon the misconception that underarm deodorant prevents the body from releasing dangerous toxins through sweat, thus causing them to build up in the lymph nodes. Sweat is a combination of water, sodium, potassium and magnesium – none of which are toxins.
• Injury to the Breast Leads to Breast Cancer – Injury or trauma to the breast does not cause breast cancer. However, all injuries to the breast must be examined by your physician immediately. The misconception that breast-related injuries lead to breast cancer is based upon the many cases in which the related injury brought attention to a breast lump that already existed and had not been discovered. Regular performances of breast self-examinations help to prevent this type of coincidence from occurring.
• Breast Cancer Only Happens to Women – While breast cancer mainly affects women, some men are susceptible to the disease. The reality is that men also have breast tissue, but because there is little focus on male breast cancer, men who suffer from breast cancer normally discover the disease later than women do.