Although the causes of caner are not fully understood, there are some several recognized factors. Non-modifiable factors that place an individual at risk include age and race and gender; on the other hand, modifiable factors include inadequate nutrition, physical activity, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, obesity, occupational carcinogens, and tobacco use.
There are some non-specific warning signs that people should look out for as symptoms of cancer. They include unexplained weight loss, blood in vomit, a sore that does not heal, a persistent cough, constipation, and diarrhea, a feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet among others (Kösters, " Gøtzsche, 2003).
Early detection is possible for breast cancer, which is achieved by following two recommended steps. These steps include Breast self-exam (BSE); this should be done one a month at home to help a woman become familiarize with their breast feel and look; consequently, they can identify changes and alert a physician. The second step is Clinical breast exam (CBE), which is performed by a healthcare professional (Grunfeld, Ramirez, Hunter, " Richards, 2002). CBE is an in-office exam that is done by a person trained to recognize warning signs and abnormalities.
The common clinical sign of cancer is mass or a new lump, which is hard and painless with irregular edges. However, breast cancer can also be painful, soft, or rounded; as such it is important to have any changes checked by a health care professional. The less common clinical signs include pain in the breast, skin irritation, and redness of the breast skin or nipple among others (Nachaliel, " Lenington, 2008).
A woman can perform a breast self-exam in the shower using the pads of her finger, which is moved around the entire breast in a circular pattern. Here, the woman should move the pads of her fingers from the outside to the center and ensure that she has checked the whole breast area. Similarly, using a mirror, one should look for changes in the contour, changes in nipples, and swelling with the arms at the sides (Foster Jr, " Costanza, 2004). Finally, when lying down, a pillow should be placed under the right shoulder, with the right arm behind the head. The left hand should be used to check for lumps and discharge in nipples by squeezing. The pads of a woman’s fingers must move around in circular motions covering the entire breast; repeat this for the left breast.
From my perspective I think breast exams are crucial as they help identify breast cancer early enough, thereby enabling professionals to intervene and treat the disease. As a result, this form of cancer does not get to kill as many women as it would without these breast exams.
References
Foster Jr, R. S., " Costanza, M. C. (2004). Breast self‐examination practices and breast cancer
survival. Cancer, 53(4), 999-1005.
Grunfeld, E. A., Ramirez, A. J., Hunter, M. S., " Richards, M. A. (2002). Women's knowledge
and beliefs regarding breast cancer. British journal of cancer, 86(9), 1373.
Kösters, J. P., " Gøtzsche, P. C. (2003). Regular self‐examination or clinical examination for
early detection of breast cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).
Nachaliel, E., " Lenington, S. (2008). U.S. Patent No. 7,409,243. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office.
