CONNECTOR.AE CONNECTOR.AE 26 27 The awareness month is held to encourage women to get checked regularly and perform self-check-ups. What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a tumour in the mammary gland, where the malignant cells multiply and grow and can affect other organs. Although the thought of breast cancer can be daunting to many women, with the help of early detection and treatment, breast cancer can be treatable. What to look for? One of the most critical steps for early detection is to perform regular self-examinations at home, at least every month. While doing self-examinations, individuals should be mindful to feel for something new, and if concerned about an issue, it is crucial always to get it checked. To perform a self-examination, Dr Rania Soued, Specialist Radiologist at Mediclinic Al Sufouh said, "Women are advised to examine their breasts soon after their period ends. They should stand in front of a mirror and look for skin changes and examine them methodically quadrant-wise with the flat of their fingers or palm." Detecting Breast Cancer Early Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent kinds of cancers detected, and in an effort to raise awareness of the issue, the month of October is dedicated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to Dr Shweta Agarwal, Breast Radiologist at Allied Medical Centre, some of the early signs are: • New lump in the breast or underarm (arm pit) • Thickening or swelling of part of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast • Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area • Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood • Any change in the size or shape of the breast • Pain in any area of the breast As there are types of cancers that are fast-growing, getting regular check-ups, especially when older, is crucial. "Every 2 to 3 years, to get check-ups from the ages of 20 to 39 years old and once a year after the age of 40 years old." advised Dr Rania Soued of Mediclinic Al Sufouh. Dr Jawahar Charles Mathais, Specialist General Surgeon at Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital advised that on frequency for different types of examinations "Monthly breast examinations, yearly ultrasound scans, and mammograms should be done every two years." Women that notice an issue, should immediately book an appointment with a doctor and get follow-up tests done to rule out any possibilities. Dr Rania Soued of Mediclinic Al Sufouh said that the ways for breast cancer check-ups to be done are through: • Physical examination: Physical examina tion of the breast - checking for lumps, hardness or tenderness in the breastsand lymph nodes • Mammogram: X-ray of the breast • Ultrasound: Imaging the breast using sound waves to detect for abnormal lumps • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI of the breast provides a detailed image of the breast lumps • Positron emission tomography (PET): To determine the staging of cancer • Breast biopsy: Removing a sample of breast cells for microscopic examination Who is at risk? Although breast cancer is more prevalent in older women, it can be passed down through genetics, making it important for all women Health and Wellness Health and Wellness
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