Breast may be the most often talked about part of the human body (I welcome corrections) and it will be a blessing if we give it the needed attention to match the talk. Babies will Latch unto it at birth and from that day a bond beyond human imagination is formed.

This attachment and affection for breast is one of the many reasons we should all play our role in fighting breast cancer as well as all other breast challenges. We should NEVER draw the curtains on regular self and professional examination to fight this killer. The power to make a difference is in our hands!! What have you done this month to support a breast or what do you plan to do? Like many other diseases, the best prevention for breast cancer is early detection, so do your bit to combat breast cancer.

The breasts definitely deserve TLC; Touch, Look & Check. You were not too off track because this is certainly Tender Loving Care for breasts.

TIPS FOR MONTHLY SELF-BREAST EXAMINATION

1. The best time to perform a self-breast exam is the week following your period when breasts are less tender and less swollen

TOUCH

2. Perform your self-examination standing, sitting or lying down on your back
3. Begin in the centre of the breast and move towards the edges
4. Use gentle, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion
5. REMEMBER the areas of the skin under the collarbone and in the armpit
6. Check for consistency or what the breast feels like

LOOK

7. Look beyond feeling for lumps; what you see is equally important. So look for the following before you touch;
   1. The size and shape of the breast
   2. Any areas that appear swollen
   3. Is the nipple pointed or retracted? Is there a nipple discharge?
   4. What does the skin look like? Are there colour changes or skin changes such as areas looking like an orange peel or skin ulcers/sores?

CHECK

Check any new or unusual changes with your doctor. Time does matter! Not every change in a breast is cancer BUT it’s better to have it checked out.

In all this, it’s important to know WHAT your breasts feel like NORMALLY, so that you can tell when there is a change. START NOW!!

Next week we will look at tell-tale signs of breast cancer.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

By Dr Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd/ Mobissel

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week –“When it comes to breast cancer size DOES NOT matter. Give all breasts and lumps equal attention”.

References:

1. www.geisinger.org – Recommendations For Breast Health
2. Compilation of Dr Ebenezer Anobah
3. Unravelling the Essentials of Health & Wealth; Dr Kojo Cobba Essel