Breasts…I see a lot of them.
Perky, plump, mosquito-bite sized, deflated-I’ve seen them all. After all, doing breast exams are part of my job.
But for all the breasts that I’ve seen, I’ve never seen any as adorable as these. From The Breast Cancer Society and DDB campaign in Singapore….
Breast cancer, on the other hand, is no laughing matter. As for most cancers, early detection of breast cancer translates to better survival.
The Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer provides an idea of when these screening tests for breast cancer should be done. Just a rundown:
1. Do your monthly breast self-exam (BSE).
It is best to do this one week after the start of your menses when your breasts are at their least swollen state.
2. Have your breast checked by a healthcare practitioner.
You can touch-up on your SBE techniques during these visits.
3. Undergo a radiologic mammogram regularly.
When it comes to early detection of breast masses for women 50 and older, a breast ultrasound is not a proven alternative to the x-ray mammogram. Women often fear the momentary discomfort associated with the procedure. But there is hope, newer machines have modifications to release breast tissue immediately after the x-ray has been “shot”. Also, you can always take a dose of OTC pain relievers an hour prior to the procedure to minimize the discomfort.
With these simple tests, you help your bosom buddies stay healthy and ensure that you catch any problems early when the chances of cure are at their highest.