<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> Reducing your risk

Good health is important and it can’t be taken for granted, which is why having accurate information about serious illnesses such as breast cancer is so reassuring. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and understand what’s normal and what’s not.

Ultimately, the best ways of protecting yourself against breast cancer are to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women in Nigeria, late presentations of breast cancer cases have been a consistent feature of the past three decades . In our environment where there is no established national screening programme for breast cancer and where awareness of early detection measures of breast cancer such as clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast self examination (BSE) is low, it is pertinent to ensure that women have access to accurate information on breast cancer and its early detection measures as well as simple reduction strategies. As more women become breast aware, they are they’re spotting lumps and changes in their breasts much earlier, which increases their chances of a cure. At the same time, medical science is making huge strides forward in developing treatment that save lives.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer . Doctors often cannot explain why one woman develops breast cancer and another one does not. They do know that bumping, bruising, or touching the breast does not cause cancer. And breast cancer is not contagious. You cannot ‘’catch’’ it from another person. Research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following the risk factors for breast cancer:

Age: The chance of developing breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older. Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women over 50.

Personal History of breast cancer: A woman who has had breast cancer in one breast has increased risk of getting cancer in her other breast.

Certain breast changes: Some women have cells in the breast that look abnormal under a microscope. Having certain types of abnormal cells ( atypical hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ [ LCIS] increases the risk of breast cancer.

Gene changes: Changes in certain genes increase the risk of breast cancer. These genes include BRCA1 , BRCA2, and others. Tests can sometimes show the presence of specific gene changes in families with many women who have had breast cancer.

Reproductiveand menstrual history: The older a woman is when she has her first child, the greater her chance od developing breast cancer. Women who had their first menstrual period before age 12 are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women who went through menopause after age 55 are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have never had children are at increased of developing breast cancer. Women who take menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestin after menopause also appear to have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Large, well- designed studies have shown no link between abortion or miscarriage and breast cancer.

Radiation therapy to the chest: Women who had radiation therapy to the chest ( including breasts ) before age 30 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. This includes women treated with radiation for Hodgkins’s lymphoma. Studies show that the younger a woman was when she received radiation treatment, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer later in life.

Breast density: Breast tissue may be dense or fatty. Older women whose mammograms ( breast x-rays ) show more dense tissue are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Taking DES ( diethylstilbestrol ) : DES was given to some pregnant women in the United States between about 1940 and 1971. ( It is no longer given to pregnant women ) . Women who took DES during pregnancy may have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. The possible effects on their daughters are under study.

Being overweight or obese afer menopause : The chance of developing breast cancer after menopause is higher in women who are overwieght and obese.

Lack of physical activity: Women who are physically inactive througout life may have an increased isk of developing breast cancer. Being active may help reduce risk by preventing weight gain and obesity.

Drinking Alcohol: Studies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk of developing breast cancer.

The good news is that many of these risk factors can be avoided. Women can help protect themselves by staying away from known risks factors whenever possible. It is also important to keep in mind that most women who have known risk factors do not get breast cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor should be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan a schedule for checkups.

What can you do?

Be breast aware: Know what your breasts look and feel like normally and report any lumps or other unusual changes to your doctoras soon as possible. Normal breasts feel different at different times of the month. Many women have lumpy and tender breasts just before their period and normally breasts will also feel different during pregnancy and at menopause. By becoming breast aware , you will be able to notice any changes that might be unusual for you. It is important to remember that most changes will not be cancer but should always be checked.

Finding a change early means that if cancer is found, the treatment may be more successful.

Eat a healthy balanced diet: Eat a varied diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains and limited in animal fat and sugary, fatty, processed foods. A healthy diet also lowers the risk of other diseases and diabetes.

What changes should you look and feel for?

Anything that is new to you

A change in the shape or size of either breasts

A nipple becoming pulled in or pointing in a different position

A rash on or around the nipple

Bleeding or any new discharge from one or both nipples

Puckering or dimpling of the skin

Any pain or discomfort that is new or unusual for you, and lasts more than a few days

A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit that is new or feels different from the rest of the breast.

What should you do if you find a change?

If you notice any changes that are new for you,make an appointment to tell your doctor. However it is important to remember that most cahnges will not be cancer.

How to be breast aware: ‘the breast sense approach‘

You need to establish a simple routine that will enable you to become aware of changes in your breasts. Breast sense is just the perfect tool to help you achieve it. Breast sense is a re-usable self-examination glove that magnifies your breasts to detect any changes.

5 Essential safety tips

Know what is normal for you, what changes to look and feel for

Look at your breasts in a mirror, wit harms up and down

Feel Your breasts for any changes

Talk to your doctor straightaway if you find any changes

Act by attending breast screening every three years if you are over 50