Monday, October 1, 2012

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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By Nurse Diane

The other day I got a text from a friend of mine asking for prayers.  She had been to see her doctor, and they found a suspicious area on one of her breasts.  She was to visit a surgeon the following day.   The next day I got an updated text saying that the results were fine, it was a benign cyst.
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Early detection is essential for diagnosing breast cancer, and starting early treatment for curing it. You can start by performing a self-breast exam at home.  This should be done every month, the same day.  The procedure is simple.  Following a shower, lay down on your bed.  Bend your arm behind your head.  With the other hand begin using your fingers in a circular motion and press down starting at the nipple and rotating around the breast until you cover the entire area.  Make sure to press under your arm as well.  Repeat on the opposite side.  Don't forget to squeeze the nipple to see if there is any discharge. If you discover any lumps, contact your doctor immediately and schedule a mammogram.

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Breast cancer is the second highest cancer illness for women.  Skin cancer being the highest.  According to breastcancer.org, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer sometime in her life.  Last year, there were 230,480 new cases.  A woman's risk of getting breast cancer is higher if there is a family member who has it; however, 85% of these people have no family history of breast cancer.

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Breast cancer also occurs in men as well.  While the rate is not as high as it is in women, self-examination is just as important. About 39,520 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2011 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1990 — especially in women under 50. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
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October is breast cancer awareness month.  I'm sure you have noticed pink everywhere.  The pink ribbons are to remind you to take care of your breasts, and your health.  This month, if you have not had a recent mammogram, or physical exam, consider making an appointment to be checked.  If you have a problem, it can be taken care of faster, and if you don't have a problem, you will be relieved that you have been checked. It is recommended that a mammogram be performed every year at the age of 40.  However if there is a family history, you may desire to be examined early.  Check with your physician to be sure when you should be checked.

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For more information visit this site:  http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-nbcf/nbcf-events

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