Breast Care Screening now done at Medix Pharmacy
Image: Sowetan Live
According to the 2014 National Cancer Registry,breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27 in South Africa. Statistically, approximately 10% of Breast Cancers present without a lump, and in fact when you do feel a lump in your breast, around 80-85% of those are benign. Most lumps felt in the breast are not cancers, but might instead be cysts or masses known as fibroadenomas. Hence, if you do experience any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you visit your nearest clinic or health care practitioner for a thorough examination.
· Change in the size and shape of the breast
· Thickening of the skin of the nipple or ulceration
· Eczema of the nipple, itching or scaly patches
· Nipple turning inwards
· Thickening or dimpling of the skin of the breast
· Noticeable lumps under the arm
· There are two particular changes in the nipple which may indicate Breast Cancer. The first is an itchy, scaly, eczematous rash which can develop on the areola (the darker-coloured patch of skin around the nipple) or on the nipple itself. This kind of rash can cause the skin to peel or become red and raw. It is termed ‘Paget’s disease’ and is a spread of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells along the ducts to the nipple, where they cause a rash or an ulcer.
The second symptom that can develop is an inversion and in-drawing of the nipple. Many women have naturally occurring and normal inverted nipples, but if a nipple suddenly becomes inverted, particularly on one side only, it is cause for concern and should be investigated.
Research has shown that a regular Breast Self-Examination (BSE), plays an important role in discovering breast cancer, compared to finding a breast lump by chance. A BSE should be done once a month, preferably at the same time of day, following a woman’s menstrual cycle. Click here to view how a BSE should be done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTZmXL0Nu8
If you notice or feel any change in your breasts or underarms, arrange for a Clinical Breast Examination at Medix Pharmacy. Contact Sister Veronica at (011) 672-0590. A Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) is a visual and manual examination of the entire breast, from the collarbone to the bra line, and from the armpit to the breast bone. Sometimes a few diagnostic tools are also utilized to screen the breast. If the nurse or the health care practitioner recognises an abnormality in the breast tissue, the patient will then be referred to for further screening. In most instances a mammogram is recommended. It is advisable to have a CBE as part of your annual medical check up.
Other sources:
Regards
The Medix Team
Tel: 011 672 0590/1
Fax: 011 472 6034
Email: info
Whatsapp: 079 163 5478