Breast Cancer is a form of cancer that forms in the cells of a breast and occurs commonly within females. Breast Cancer Awareness month is upon us and according to Breastcancer.org, “About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.” While mammograms can identify signs of cancer in its early stages, it is critical that you also know how to perform self-exams at home regularly (at least once a month).
Tips on how to conduct a breast exam are:
- Stand up straight and look at your breasts in the mirror.
- If you see anything abnormal such as swelling, unusual lumps, discoloration, or change in size, bring it to your doctor’s attention.
- Raise your arms and look at your breasts in the mirror.
- Look for any signs of abnormal fluid coming out such as yellow, watery, or milky fluid, even blood.
- Check during a shower.
- Use two fingers flat and together to rub your breasts in a circular motion. Try to feel for any unusual lumps by making sure you cover both of your entire breasts.
- Check while laying down.
- Lay down flat on your back with one arm up and use the other hand to repeat steps used while checking during a shower, then switch arms.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be life-changing for both the patient and their loved ones. Learning how to build a great support system for a patient can help them along their journey. In order to build a support system, you must understand that their lifestyle will change due to side effects of the breast cancer, sometimes they’ll need encouragement, and keep up with personal self-care to guarantee you are helping as much as you can.
If someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, provide them with comfort and care. Tips on how to help the patient are:
- Help with Daily Routines.
- Tasks such as cleaning up around the house, picking up and dropping off their children, watching over them, and transporting to and from doctor appointments can become difficult. Offer to help with specific tasks instead of ‘What can I do for you?’ Sometimes people do not want to ask for help when it’s needed.
- Listen and encourage the patient.
- This life-changing experience is overwhelming and will more than likely lead to emotional trauma. Patients will need a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on in these moments of feeling down. Remember they are hurt and not angry with Do not tell them how to feel and instead use encouraging words such as, ‘You are very strong.’
- Maintain your own self-care
- Caring for a breast cancer patient can be exhausting and tiring. Do not forget to check in on yourself and make sure you are still taken care of. Make sure you are eating healthy, staying active, and taking some time for yourself. You cannot help anyone else if you are also under the weather.
Get involved and help spread the word about breast cancer! Below are different links to donate, fundraise, and partner with other charities.
- https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-support
- https://www.breastcancer.org/community
- https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/get-involved
Written By: Kayla Pool
Sources:
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam
https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20738293,00.html
