It is the mind that makes the body
Sojourner Truth
Knowledge is Power
Does Race or Ethnicity Affect Breast Cancer Risk?
All women should be aware of their risk for breast cancer; it can affect women of every age, race and ethnic group. However, the rates of developing and dying from breast cancer vary among various racial and ethnic groups.
One women in Nine will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and it is vital that we know all the facts and practice breast self-examination to protect ourselves.
Cancer will not go away by itself. If you fear you are at risk or are worried about friends or family Dont ignore it - take action.
Be familiar with your breast so that you will notice any changes and report them to your doctor without delay. Breast self-exams are an option for increasing breast awareness.
What You Can Do
The best defence is to find breast cancer as early as possible when it is easier to treat. Finding breast cancer early is called early detection.
Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, preferably at least every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older. Women should report any breast change to their GP without delay.
Women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer, etc.) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting screening earlier or having additional tests such as breast ultrasound or MRI.
MammogramsYearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 50 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
Only two to four mammograms out of every 1,000 will lead to cancer diagnosis. Ten percent of them will need a needle biopsy. Eighty percent of those biopsies will not be cancer. The procedure will require you to undress to the waist, but the facility will provide a wrap for you to wear. Deodorant powder or cream may interfere with the quality of the mammogram. Only you and the technologist who positions your breasts will be present for the mammogram, and most technologists are women.
The entire procedure should take about 20 minutes and should include two views of the breast. The breast compression may cause some discomfort, which you can lessen by not scheduling a mammogram immediately before or during your period. Remember; if you have a lump in your breast, you will need more tests even if your mammogram is normal. Contact your nearest cancer support organisation for help and advice.