Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. Research estimates that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her life. It is important to know that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well, although only 1% of breast cancer patients are male. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.
If localized breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 100%! That is why an early detection plan is important. See your doctor regularly, and conduct monthly breast exams so you can watch for symptoms that include:
- Nipple tenderness, or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
- A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast (some describe this as similar to an orange peel’s texture)
- A lump in the breast
Visit www.breastcancer.org to learn more. This month our four Take Action Weeks include:
Take Charge of Breast Health
Breast exams are extremely useful in detecting cancer early. Clinical exams, breast self-exams (BSEs) and mammograms should be completed regularly so that it is possible to determine if there are changes in breast tissue, indicating breast cancer or other potentially harmful conditions.
Clinical Exams and Mammograms
The American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams every three years for women between 20 and 40, and annually for women 40 and older. Starting at age 45, healthy women should have yearly mammograms.
Performing Self-exams
In between clinical exams and mammograms, women should complete BSEs to become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts when healthy, so that changes can be detected as early as possible.
- Lie down and place one arm behind your head.
- Use the pads of your middle three fingers on the opposite hand to check your breast tissue in overlapping, dime-sized circular motions.
- Use an up-and-down pattern starting at your underarm and moving all the way to the middle of your breastbone to feel for changes.
- Standing with your hands on your hips, look in a mirror for changes in size, shape, contour or coloring of your breasts.
Breast Tissue Changes
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following changes to your breast or nipple tissue while doing a BSE:
- Lumps
- Dimpling, red or scaly skin
- Nipple discharge or pain
It is normal for breast tissue to change during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills or other hormone therapy. However, if you notice changes at other times in your life, it is strongly suggested that you visit a doctor immediately.
More in-depth information on how to perform a BSE is available at ww5.komen.org. This website also provides a Breast Self-Awareness Interactive Tool that you can view. Or, check out this diagram on www.breastcancer.org, which illustrates how to perform a thorough self-exam.
Insurance Terminology
Health Insurance terminology can be confusing. As a result, understanding your benefits and what you may owe out of pocket can be difficult. In order to make sure you are using your coverage effectively, it is important to understand some key health insurance terms. Download the PDF poster to view the full content.
Breast Cancer Awareness Video
Dental Care
A simple routine of brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental checkups, can be enough to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.
Why Visit the Dentist?
Your dentist can not only determine the health of your teeth, mouth and gums, but can also make conclusions about your overall health. Oral exams are important to determine any oral diseases and conditions you may have that can affect your overall health, such as:
- Bad breath or bleeding gums can be a symptom of adult-onset diabetes.
- Bruxism, or the grinding or clenching of one’s teeth, is a telltale sign of stress.
- Sometimes the tissues in your mouth may change. For example, red spots on the tongue can point to immune system-related disorders.
- A dental X-ray can alert a dentist to possible osteoporosis if bone loss is seen on the X-ray of a tooth.
How to Select a Dentist
Here are some tips for choosing a dentist in your area:
- Ask your friends, family members and co-workers who their dentists are and who they would recommend.
- Schedule a consultation to meet the dentist and staff in person.
- Ask for the dentist’s credentials and test his or her knowledge by asking questions.
- Start with something simple such as a cleaning.
- Make sure you feel comfortable with the dentist and the dental office.
What to Expect
Your dentist will likely perform the following at your routine dental visit:
- A full examination
- A thorough cleaning
- X-ray of the teeth—Depending on your insurance plan, this may not be covered so make sure to find out beforehand.
When Should You Go?
Seeing a dentist twice a year is recommended for most people. However, people with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can usually see their dentist just once a year, while people with a high risk of problems might need to see the dentist every three or four months for optimal care. Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums.
