Doctors always talk about the importance of regular check-ups. You shouldn’t just see a doctor when you feel that something is wrong. This is because some diseases don’t have any physical signs, and it is only through blood work that the doctor can tell if anything is wrong. Regular check-ups allow doctors to catch diseases early on so they can treat them right away. The last thing any patient wants to hear is that they are too late and there is nothing that the doctor can do.
One of the diseases that if caught early on, can save your life is cancer. There are different types of cancers but the one that many women dread is breast cancer. This is because, of all cancer types, breast cancer is the main cause of death among women all over the world. That being said, early detection of breast cancer is vital and it can save your life. Keep reading to find out why it is important.
Treatment
Breast cancer, just like every type of cancer, has its stages. When it is discovered in its early stages, it is highly treatable because it hasn’t spread to your other organs yet. This is why it is important that breast cancer is detected early so it can be treated. As a matter of fact, many women may have breast cancer and may not even be aware of it. Ignoring symptoms or not doing regular check-ups will allow for cancer to be discovered in late stages when it has already spread and, unfortunately, it can’t be treated.
When you visit a doctor they will do mammograms screening which will allow them to catch the disease in its early stages when it is treatable. These screenings will help your doctor discover cancer even if you don’t have any symptoms. Additionally, if you discover that you have breast cancer and it’s still in its early stages, you may only need a simple operation to remove the cancerous tissues from the breast and you may not require any further treatments. This is called a lumpectomy. However, if it was discovered in late stages, the whole breast, or both, may be removed and you may have to undergo chemotherapy as well.
Consider Your Family’s History
There are people who are more at risk of breast cancer by virtue of having a history of family members who have had breast cancer. However, this doesn’t mean that you will definitely get breast cancer, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Since you are at a higher risk of developing this disease, according to BedfordBreastCenter.com, you should make it a habit to do a breast self-examination every month to check for lumps or any changes in your skin texture or appearance. In addition to that, you will also need to do genetics tests so the doctor can see if there are any mutations that can increase the risk of breast cancer. Again, regular check-ups will allow doctors to discover it early so it can be treated quickly.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination?
Women of all ages should do a monthly breast self-examination to make sure that there is nothing wrong. This self-examination is done by removing your clothes and taking a look at both of your breasts in the mirror. Check for any visible lumps, make sure there aren’t any strange differences between your two breasts, look for any discoloration or redness, and that your skin and nipples look normal. After you finish this part, you need to lay down and press on your breasts using three fingers to check to see if anything feels strange. You should check the area around your breast as well. Remember, to do this self-examination at the same time every month.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
You should keep your eyes open for breast cancer symptoms, and promptly visit a doctor if you notice any of them. Other possible signs include a lump on one or both of your breasts, or on your underarm, the area near your collarbone or your armpits being nipple discharge, or any changes in your breasts and nipples.
There are more and more women who develop breast cancer every year but there are also more recoveries. This is because women are now more aware of the importance of routine screenings. Early breast cancer detection can save your life or save you from spending months or years undergoing severe treatment that will take a toll on your mental and physical health. No one chooses to get breast cancer, but you have the choice not to make it ruin your life by discovering it early on while it is still treatable.
