'My Humps'

This will be a big post, and at times you will think that it is irrelevant to you, you've heard it all before and it may be boring. But if you are a Woman, or have a Mother, Daughter, Sister or Female partner you need to read this post thoroughly. It could save your life or the life of a Woman you know.



Last month was October, just in case you didn't realise. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I had intended on writing a post to outline the importance of self examination for all women over the age of 20 years old. For some reason or rather I didn't write that post.



A little over two weeks ago we found out that my beautiful, brave Mum has been diagnosed with stage one lobular Breast cancer. The news came as a shock. It may be a shock to you as you read this. In short, after some invasive treatment my Mum will make it through, thanks only to her vigilant self examination. I feel it is very important that you know that my mum is 46 years old (sorry Mum you're real age had to be told) & has regular mammograms. In fact four years ago her mammogram indicated a slight shading which was eventually (and incorrectly) ruled out as being a cyst. A few weeks ago, my Mum noticed an irregularity in skin texture during self examination. That dimple is so small that an expert breast surgeon had to have it pointed out to him. This lump did not show up on a mammogram, it had to be visuallyidentified by an ultrasound and then a biopsy was done. Luckily she would not rest until it had been investigated thoroughly. This has point blank saved her life.



WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:



BreastScreen Aotearoa,  provides free breast screening mammograms to women, with no breast cancer symptoms for unsuspected cancers, between 45 and 69 years of age every two years. If you are in this age group and have not had or do not get a regular a mammogram - Go and book one now on 0800 270 200.



By examining your breasts, you get to know how your breasts look and feel. Early detection is paramount. The NZBCF recommends women do breast self checks from 20 years of age. By starting a process so early on in life, makes women more aware of any changes that could indicate breast cancer later in life.



If you have a history of Breast cancer in your family, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about this on your next visit.





HOW TO EXAMINE YOURSELF?



In front of a mirror - check for changes:





a. Place your hands at your sides and look for any changes.



b. Place your hands on your hips and then press your shoulders and elbows forward. Look for changes.



c. Raise your arms and clasp your hands above your head. Look again for changes.



In the shower or bath:





With the fingertips of your three middle fingers, use soap to glide over each breast. The way you do this does not matter. The main thing is to cover all your breast tissue from just under your collarbone to under your breast, and from your mid-chest to your ribs at the side of your chest.



Also, with each arm by your side, press your fingers firmly up into each armpit. Breast checks may make some women feel very anxious, while others will feel reassured; so they are a personal choice but I cannot stress how important they are.



Breast changes to see your family doctor about:



• A new lump or thickening, especially if it is only in one breast

• A change in breast shape or size

• A change in the skin of the breast such as: a puckering or dimpling, reddening or a rash

• Any change in a nipple, such as: a turned-in nipple, a discharge that occurs without squeezing, a crusting, ulcer, or redness



Remember you are looking and feeling for any new or unusual changes.



Nine out of ten breast lumps aren't cancerous but any changes that you identify in your breasts need to be investigated by a doctor, and if in doubt, get a second opinion.

 

Refer to website http://www.nzbcf.org.nz/ for further information.

 

My beautiful Mum.