October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about the importance of early detection, understanding risk factors, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, and early detection can significantly improve survival rates. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to perform a breast self-exam at home, share breast cancer survival statistics, and provide references for these statistics.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Performing a breast self-exam at home is a crucial step in early breast cancer detection. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Choose a Time: Perform the exam about a week after your period starts when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen.
- Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips. Look for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Note any dimpling, redness, or puckering.
- Raise Your Arms: Raise your arms and check for the same changes.
- Inspect Nipples: Check for any changes in the appearance or discharge from your nipples.
- Manual Examination: Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. Use your left hand to examine your right breast and vice versa. Use the pads of your three middle fingers in a circular motion, moving from the outside towards the nipple. Feel for any lumps or thickening.
- Up-and-Down: Move your fingers up and down, covering the entire breast and armpit area.
- Squeeze the Nipple: Gently squeeze the nipple and check for any discharge.
Remember, if you notice any changes or abnormalities during your self-exam, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Breast Cancer Survival Statistics
Understanding breast cancer survival rates is essential for individuals and their families. Survival rates can vary based on several factors, including the stage of cancer at diagnosis, age, and treatment received. Here are some general statistics:
Five-Year Survival Rate: The overall five-year survival rate for breast cancer in the United States is around 90%. This means that approximately 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years after diagnosis.
Stage-Specific Rates: Survival rates vary significantly by stage. For localized (early-stage) breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is over 99%. However, for regional and distant-stage cancers, the survival rates are lower, at around 85% and 28%, respectively.
Age and Survival: Younger women often have a higher survival rate than older women, likely due to the earlier detection of breast cancer in younger age groups.
Improvements in Treatment: Advances in breast cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, have contributed to improved survival rates over the years.
Breast cancer awareness is not limited to October alone; it's a year-round commitment to understanding your risk, performing regular self-exams, and staying informed about advancements in detection and treatment. By taking proactive steps and being aware of your body, you can contribute to the early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer, increasing your chances of survival.
References
American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast Cancer Survival Rates
World Health Organization. (2021). Breast Cancer
