Early Detection
GUIDE
Breast cancer can’t usually be prevented, but when detected earlier and in its localized stage, it is easier to treat successfully.
This disease affects one out of every eight American women. Even though treatment advances and increased awareness have reduced deaths, nearly 42,000 women die from breast cancer every year in the United States.
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The Good News
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According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is found earlier, women have a 93% (or higher) survival rate in the first five years.
But finding it before it spreads requires close attention since many of the symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without professional screening or mammograms.
There are other symptoms, however, that can be felt or observed when you are taking action about your breast health.
This article will guide you on what to look for and some important steps to help detect it earlier.
BREAST SELF-EXAM​
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Put light, medium, and firm pressure on the entire breast and armpit area with the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers.
Each month, feel both breasts for lumps, thickening, hardened knots, or any other changes.
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Look out for these signs while doing a breast self-exam:
1
A lump or thickening in the underarm or breast area
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A nipple turned inward into the breast
2
A change in
breast size or shape
5
Discharge
(fluid) from the nipple
3
Puffiness or dimpling of the breast skin
6
Breast skin that is scaly, red, or swollen
Important
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If you find a lump, don't panic. Many lumps are harmless and are not cancerous, but you should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated if you find one or have suffered any of the symptoms above.
ROUTINE CHECK EXAMS​
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It is recommended that women visit their family physician or gynecologist for a yearly routine check. In addition to examining your breasts and looking for abnormalities, the doctor can also advise you on the most appropriate frequency for early detection steps based on your personal preference and patient history.
MAMMOGRAM​
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A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. The test can detect cancerous tumors and other abnormal conditions in the breast even before they become large enough to be felt when touched. The American Cancer Society recommends that women and men over the age of forty have a mammogram every year.
Following these tips will help you increase your chances of detecting breast cancer at an early stage, maximizing your opportunities for successful treatment.
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Our message is simple: EARLY DETECTION IS KEY.
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Sipping PositiviTEA™ is committed to increasing early detection of breast and chest cancer that will lead to improved cancer outcomes and survival rates by optimizing available resources and providing accessible breast health services to underserved populations.