BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Today is International Women’s Day and therefore the perfect opportunity to highlight how crucial preventative checks for Women’s Health are during this time.  As mums we tend to put ourselves last on a daily basis, after the kids, the house, our jobs, our pets, the hubby and every other little thing that features on the daily to-do list. However, when it comes to our health, it’s something that needs to top the priority list.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant worldwide lockdown has severely affected lives and movement of people across the globe over the last year. One of the unfortunate effects of this restriction is on health care. There has been a lot of mixed messaging in the era of social media flooding, leading to confusion in many aspects of how to manage our health during the pandemic, resulting in many people avoiding regular physical check-ups, including essential health screenings.

It is now clear that the pandemic is going to be with us for a while yet, and as women, we cannot afford to put off screening any longer. It is essential that women get back in and have their routine exams and screening, including mammography. We’ve enlisted the help of Dr. Archana Shetty, a UK-trained Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital to explain more about breast cancer, mammograms and early detection.

BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and it is estimated that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. However, it can be treated successfully when caught early, and monthly self-examinations, mammograms and clinical exams by a healthcare provider are vital to detecting the disease in its earliest stage.

MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING

A mammogram is a special kind of X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. It can make a critical difference in cancer prevention since doctors can use it to detect cancers up to 3 years before it can be felt. When diagnosed at this early stage, a patient’s chance of recovery also improves significantly.

SELF EXAMINATION

While regular mammograms after 40 years of age are necessary, self-examination is equally, if not more important. Breast self-check is based on visual and tactile observation of the breast. It is the simplest and easiest way to check for any abnormality.

Once a month, ideally 4-5 days after your period is the best time to check your breasts. If your periods are irregular or you do not have periods, pick a particular date each month and stick to that.

Stand in front of the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms at the hip. Look for any lumps, rash, swellings or distortions like puckering or dimpling. Look if the nipple seems altered in appearance, such as an inverted nipple. Once you’ve done a thorough check, raise your arms and look for the same signs. It is also important to look for any signs of fluid coming out from the nipples.

Next, in either a standing or lying down position, raise one arm above your head and feel with the flat of your opposite hand with a firm touch. Keep your fingers together and feel the entire breast with a smooth motion of your fingertips. Make sure that you cover the entire breast, from top to bottom and side to side. Use firm pressure to push down and feel the tissue. Do not forget to check above your collar bone and in your armpits.

If you do this regularly, you will notice any change in shape or colour. If you find any abnormality, schedule an appointment with a specialist immediately. But do keep in mind that most lumps or irregularities are benign. So, do not panic, the most important thing is to stay safe and be aware.

To make an appointment with Dr. Archana, please call 800 1999 or visit mediclinic.ae.

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