Cancer is a serious disease that greatly affects patients, but it depends on the type, stage, and severity of the disease. Because once diagnosed, there may be both chances of cure and incurability. According to data from the National Cancer Institute, one of the most common cancers found in Thai women is breast cancer, with a continuous increase in patients, resulting in over 4,654 deaths annually. However, early detection of breast cancer can increase the chances of cure and help patients recover faster.
Breast cancer can be detected at an early stage
Although breast cancer is the number one cancer found in Thai women and is severe, women have the opportunity to detect early warning signs or symptoms by themselves. Early detection of breast cancer has up to a 95% chance of complete cure. It also increases the chances of treatment and reduces the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
Warning signs of breast cancer
There are several physical characteristics that women can observe changes in by themselves, including:
- Feeling a lump in the breast or armpit area
- Changes in the shape or size of the breast
- Abnormal discharge from the breast
- Chronic wounds on the nipple area
- Dimpling, wrinkling, or thick swelling on the areola
- Unusual pain in the breast or armpit
Breast self-examination is not difficult
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple method that women can do at home to detect abnormalities in their breasts. It should be done every month, 7-10 days after menstruation, to increase accuracy. It can be done as follows:
Visual inspection
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- Stand or sit in front of a mirror: Start by removing clothes and standing or sitting in front of a mirror. Observe the shape, size, and changes in both breasts.
- Check the skin: Look for dimpling, wrinkling, or thick swelling on the breast area.
- Check the nipples: Look for chronic wounds or abnormal discharge.
Manual examination
Start by lying on your back with a pillow under the shoulder of the side to be examined. Raise that arm above your head. Use the index, middle, and ring fingers of the other hand to examine the breast and armpit by gently but firmly feeling in circular motions from the nipple outward to the edge of the breast to detect abnormalities such as hard lumps, thickened skin, or pain. Examine both breasts and then check again while standing. Self-examination is a preliminary detection method, and if any abnormalities are found, see a doctor immediately.
Breast cancer screening with mammogram
For women aged 40 and above, it is recommended to undergo annual breast cancer screening with a mammogram, which is an X-ray imaging of the breast. This machine compresses the breast between glass plates to get detailed images of the tissue. It can detect small lumps that cannot be felt. If ultrasound is also performed, it increases the accuracy in analyzing whether the detected abnormality is a cyst or a solid mass. If the doctor suspects that the abnormality may be breast cancer, a biopsy will be considered to analyze the type of mass further.
Breast cancer is a silent threat that can endanger the health of all women. However, regular screening and awareness of early warning signs increase the chances of early detection, making treatment more effective and increasing the likelihood of complete cure.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, and don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you find any abnormalities. Do not ignore them.
Because taking care of your health is the best investment in life.
