http://ownindex.com/feed/

Monday, 6 of February of 2012

Print

Breast Health

A woman’s breast is one of the female secondary sex characteristics, or one of the distinguishing traits, developed during puberty, that differentiates her from her brothers, male friends and all the other male human beings on earth. The other parts of the human body are common between males and females, like both have arms, eyes, hair and many more. But the enlarged breasts are exclusive to women and are the most visible features of a female body even if it is fully clothed. Simply put, her breasts define her being a woman.

It is no wonder then why just the thought of losing her breasts is so devastating to a woman because they are integral parts of her psyche. Losing the breasts are not only physical but also psychological and emotional issues. It is for these reasons why it is a must for any woman to protect her breasts, particularly against breast cancer, one of the leading causes of deaths among women.

Inspite of the advances in the methods of detection and treatments (if caught early), medical researchers could not still point out what really cause breast cancer. Many probable causes have been reported but there were contradictions to question its widespread validity. One example of a questionable probable cause if that breast cancer is hereditary which is contradicted by  data that majority of breast cancer victims do not have a family history of deaths due to the disease. However, at this time it is for any woman’s benefit to assess themselves against the following identified risk factors and discuss with their doctors the appropriate screening methods to make sure any breast disease, even the benign ones, are caught and treated on time:

  • Age, the risk of having breast cancer increases with age.
  • Family history of breast cancer.
  • Continued use of some contraceptives
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy for an extended period of time
  • Limited or no access at all to health care
  • Exposure to different toxic chemicals in the environment like pesticides, bleached paper, plastics, tobacco smoke and other pollutants
  • Lack of exercise and unhealthy diet

Every woman should know the correct way of doing a self breast examination (SBE). It is also important to record the result of the examination for future reference. The procedure is widely available and through monthly SBE, the following signs and symptoms of a probable breast problem can be detected:

  • Thickening and hardened parts of the breasts, lumps or tumors
  • Changes in the nipple shape, size, color and texture. A retracted nipple should be subject for further medical examination.
  • Bloody discharge if the nipple is pinched

Women should be very familiar with their breasts. Potential troubles are usually manifested by changes in the breasts. Cigarette smokers should stop the habit since smoke carries carcinogens.

Exercise and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle should be strictly observed. The breasts are so important to any woman in a way that only a woman can understand. The best way to keep them in a healthy condition is to know about them.

[blinklist] [BlogBookmark] [Digg] [folkd.com] [Google] [linkaGoGo] [Mister Wong] [Reddit] [Spurl] [StumbleUpon] [Technorati] [Twitter] [Yahoo!] More »

Leave a comment