By Meladi Brewer

DailyAdvocate.com

DARKE COUNTY — October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. A time to honor survivors and educate about early detection.

In 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, Inc. Despite this harsh fact, there is still hope as early detection methods continue to increase the chances of survival.

One of the most common early detection methods to date is a mammogram. They are the most common way to detect breast cancer early, making it easier to treat. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer or need for aggressive treatments.

According to the American Cancer Society, when caught in early detection, in the localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99 percent, but in order to ensure early detection, it is important to remain proactive.

Another test that can be performed at home, is a self evaluation. Some signs to look out for are changes in the breast or nipple area. A breast lump or thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue, or a nipple that looks flattened or turns inward can all be signs of breast cancer.

Other signs are changes in the color of the breast skin. In people with white or pale skin, the breast skin may look pink or red. In people with brown and black skin, the breast skin may look darker that the other skin on the chest or it may even look red or purple according to the Mayo Clinic.

A change in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast; changes to the skin over the breast, such as skin that looks dimpled or looks like an orange peel; and peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the skin on the breast can also be signs of breast cancer.

It is recommended that if a lump or other change in the breast is detected, to make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Do not wait for the next mammogram to see if the change found is cancer. Report any changes in the breast even if a recent mammogram showed there was no breast cancer.

There are three steps necessary to perform a thorough breast self-exam. Each of these steps should be completed each time you perform a breast self-exam.

Step one: In the shower. With the pads/flats of your three middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area, pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month, feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes.

Step 2: In Front of a Mirror. With your arms at your sides, visually inspect your breasts, looking for any changes in the contour or shape of the breasts, any dimpling, swelling, or other skin irregularities on or around the breasts, or any changes in the nipples.

Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other changes, particularly on one side. Note that the left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts are perfectly symmetrical.

Step 3: Lying Down. When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your 3 middle fingers around your right breast, covering the entire breast area and armpit.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes. Also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

Mammography can usually detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection. When self-exams are combined with regular medical care and appropriate mammography, it can help women know what is normal for them so they can report any changes to their healthcare provider.

For more information, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org or www.mayoclinic.org.