Pakistan records the highest breast cancer rate in Asia: Here’s how you can detect early symptoms
Studies have proved that the risk of breast cancer is due to a combination of different factors.
Pakistan is among those countries in Asia with the highest breast cancer rates. The country also has the highest mortality rate. A study conducted in 2007 revealed that one out of every nine women in the country will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Although experts are unable to answer the question of ‘why,’ there are certain risk factors that expose women to the chances of developing breast cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer
Studies have proved that the risk of breast cancer is due to a combination of different factors.
- Old age
- Genetic mutations
- Family history of breast cancer
- Family history of ovarion cancer
- Exposure to certain drugs
- Treatments using radiation therapy
Although these risk factors increase the chances of breast cancer, women without any of the above mentioned factors can still have it.
Breast Cancer Self-Examination:
Overtime, the significance of breast cancer self-examination has become very prominent. It is a very useful method for early detection of the problem and seeking medical help as soon as you possibly can.
Most tumors of the breast can present with no symptoms at all and hence, a self-exam can be very useful in that aspect. With the increasing ratio of breast cancer patients, every woman should be aware of how to self check for any sort of lump and report it to the doctor as early as possible.
The best time to do your examination is a week after your period ends. This is because you need to select a time when your breasts are the least tender.
Here is the correct way of examining your breasts at home.
Visual examination
- Stand or sit shirtless infront of the mirror with your arms on the sides
- Face forward, look for any change in symmetry, shape, dimpling or puckering
- See if your nipples are turned in
- Inspect the breasts with your hands on your hips
- Raise your arms overhead and inspect your breasts with the palms of your hands pressed together
- Lift your breasts to see the ridges. Check for the symmetry
Use your hands for examination:
You can do this while lying down on a flat surface or in the shower.
- Use pads of your middle three fingers
- Use different pressure levels to feel the depth of the breast
- Take minutes to examine the breast carefully
- Follow a proper pattern
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