October is the month for breast cancer awareness. This month is dedicated towards increasing awareness of issues concerned with breast cancer and the importance of detecting the disease early. This works through nation wide campaigns which are aimed at the public, employers, health care experts and most importantly mature men and women.
Early detection
When any form of cancer is discovered early and prompt treatment offered, suffering and significantly death can be notably reduced. Nowadays men too are advised to see their doctors as well as other health officials about mammography screening which is said to be the most effective technique for detecting any changes in your breast that might result to cancer later on. This is before a patient even experience or sees any symptoms. In such a case, when cancerous cells are found, treatment is less toxic and disfiguring while the chances of survival are very high.
As women become older, the risk of getting breast cancer increases. As a result, when a woman turns 40, she should be given high quality mammography. However because risk factors may vary from one person to the other, you should be able to discuss with your doctor the right plan for you. As most institutions recommend that screening should be done once in two years, screening is something that should be done continuously in a women’s lifetime.
Additionally to mammography, your doctor should examine your breast using clinical breast examination. Everyone should also be in a position to carry out a breast self examination. This keeps you alert to any changes that your breast may experience.
What to expect during a mammography
The best time to under go a mammography is a week after menstruation begins. At this time the breast are not as tender. You should also avoid using any lotion or deodorant on the said day. A radiologic technologist shall perform the mammography where you will be positioned next to the x-ray machine. Your breasts will be compressed to get good pictures which will be acquired using very low amounts of radiation.
Detecting cancerous cells early is important because treating it at this stage will be more effective. Brachytherapy is the preferred treatment for such an occasion. In this case radiation is placed at the source in order to kill the cancerous cells as well as shrink the tumours. Brachytherapy is known to offer highly effective, precise and tolerated treatment which is often tailored to meet an individual’s needs.
