Early detection and intervention is vital. #BreastCancer #earlydetection #KickCancersAss #StrongWomen #Brave #CancerSucks #mammograms #mastectomy
Self Breast Exams are Crucial
Ladies I cannot stress to you enough the importance of self breast exams. Several of the women I know who have or have had breast cancer first found their lump on their own. I even have known several women that were younger than the age of 40 when they identified these lumps. Some lumps can be painful and some not. They felt the lump and then followed up by seeing their Provider to have a more extensive evaluation.
For more information on how to perform a self breast exam see the link below
Know the warning signs and see your Provider if you are experiencing any of the following
Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of the nipple
Nipple discharge
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
Mammogram
For most women Mammograms are recommended starting at the age of 40. These Mammograms are essential in the screening for and identifying suspicious tissue or lumps. Mammograms are also used in follow up and monitoring for reoccurrence in women who have had Breast Cancer.
Most insurance plans cover mammograms however if you are concerned about the cost of Mammograms there are free or low cost programs to help more women have access.
For more information on these free or low cost mammogram programs call:
Susan G. Komen®’s Breast Care Helpline:
1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636),
The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345
National Cancer Institute at 1-800-422-6237
If suspicious tissue or lumps are detected...
Your Provider will order
a biopsy - usually a fine needle aspiration (biopsy)
Breast MRI- The Breast MRI will help to show a more accurate image of the lump
The process of these additional tests and awaiting results can be very stressful. Include someone you trust and feel comfortable with to help be there with you and be an emotional support.
Diagnosis: Your next steps if your biopsy shows Breast Cancer
An appointment with an Oncologist to discuss the Diagnosis and Prognosis. You will discuss treatment regimens and what you can expect.
Testing for hereditary markers
Diagnosis can be devastating.
Learning and understanding the most you can will help you to feel confident and get into battle mode.
Again it will be important to lean on others to help give you support through this difficult time.
Utilizing a Mental Health Specialist to help with not only processing the diagnosis but to also give you tools like mindfulness training for the long and intense therapy that you have lying ahead
Your Treatment and Action Plan may include a combination of some or all of the below.
Surgery: An appointment with an Oncologist Surgeon will be necessary to discuss if a lumpectomy, a partial mastectomy or a full mastectomy is needed.
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Finding Support beyond Family and Friends
Friends and Family are a great support and want to be there to help you. Let them! We women are often very independent and it is often hard to let others in to help.
Beyond family and friends it is helpful to hear other women stories that have already faced the treatment and challenges of Breast Cancer. Other resources to support groups can be found below.
**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice.
Comments