October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We’ve all been hearing alot about breast cancer over the radio lately. Not only that, you’ve also been reading alot about breasts on dailymuscle.com lately too. Obviously, my writeups werent talking about cancer awareness.. but this one is.

Anyway, if you havent realised by now, or have been living in a cave, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Yes, not only here in Malaysia, but pretty much all over the world. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues - especially on the importance of early detection.

Breast cancer is very real, and it could happen to you… so don’t let the ads and campaigns and reading you come across fall to deaf ears by saying that ‘it won’t happen to me.. ‘. Cos it just might. And as with all health complications.. early detection greatly increases the success of your treatment should you be diagnosed with breast cancer. Whoever you are, whatever your age or background, it is important to be aware that it could happen to you, or your loved ones.

Although always thought of as a ‘women-only’ problem.. men also need to be aware of changes in their breast tissue. Did you know that approximately 300 men in the UK get breast cancer each year? Surprised? I was too..!

A breast self-exam (also known as a BSE) involves both a visual and physical examination of your breasts, and it doesnt cost you anything. You should also get a clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional at least every 3 years starting at the age of 20, and every year after the age 40.

Ultimately, only you will know better than anyone how your breasts look and feel normally, so if you do notice a change, see your doctor and don’t worry that you may be making an unnecessary fuss.. your health is at stake.. why care what the doctor thinks? Most breast changes may not be cancer, but could just be normal changes or benign breast conditions. Also, only your doctor would be able to reassure you that there is nothing to worry about.. so don’t form assumptions on your own.

I have to admit, that I am certainly no expert in this issue. But what I’d like to think I’m reasonably good at is in convincing people to take charge, realise the importance, and take care of the body they possess and have been entrusted with - cos nobody else can do it for you.

And now… for the moment of truth.

Is DM going to teach you how to do a breast self-examination? (and in the process, satisfy the lust of a few stray perverts who may have ended up on this page?)
The answer is No.

But why not?
Simply because I have absolutely no idea on how it should be done! And seeing how I myself have no idea.. all the more I’m pretty certain that a huge majority of women out there are equally clueless just like me.

I’d like to leave you with a link to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation where you can view a Step-by-step Visual demonstration of the Breast Self Exam, all at the comfort and privacy of wherever you may be.

To those of you viewing it at a public place, for instance, a university computer lab.. you might want to save the touching and feeling until you get to your room.

UPDATE 11/11/2008 : The above links are no longer working (the site has made some changed), but you can still head over to the site at www.komen.org to get the info you need.

Read also:

1. The dailymuscle.com Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Giveaway!
2. Breast Cancer Awareness Month - The One Thing You Should Do
3. Breast Size - Would it Decrease with Sufficient Exercise?