Archive for September, 2009
Breast Awareness at ICIM Medics
Thursday, September 10th, 2009October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and ICIM Medics would like Kildare women to be breast aware.
Breast awareness means knowing what is normal for you so that you realise if there is any unusual change to your breasts. Irish women have a 1 in 13 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, making breast awareness really important for all of us. Most breast changes are NOT cancer but you should check them with a medical professional just to make sure.
There are 5 simple steps to follow to be breast aware. Women of all ages should check their breasts monthly, between days 10-15 of their menstrual cycle. The aim of checking your breasts regularly is to:
- Know what is normal for you
- Look and feel
- Know what changes to look for
- Report any changes without delay
- Attend for regular breast assessments.
There can be many reasons for changes in the breast. Most of them are harmless but all of them need to be checked as there is a small chance they could be the first sign of cancer. If you are aware of any change in your breasts from what is normal for you, have a breast assessment immediately.
ICIM Medics offer Kildare women of all ages a Breast Assessment service where we can monitor your breasts for any changes, check any lumps that you may feel while doing your monthly breast check, and offer reassurance about any lumps or abnormal findings.
The ICIM Breast Assessment is made up of 5 components including:
1. Breast Health Questionnaire
2. Breast CTI scan
3. Physical Examination of the breasts
4. Breast Ultrasound
5. Blood tests that help in the detection of breast cancer
Our Breast Assessment is non-invasive, non-radiation and pain free. It is designed specifically for women under 50 years; however women of all ages can use our breast assessment service to ease feelings of anxiety about breast cancer. The ICIM Breast Assessment eases anxiety in those with a positive family history of breast cancer or have pain in the breast. Our nurse will teach you how to perform self-examinations and give you the necessary information about breast awareness.
The Breast Assessment takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete and most women have results immediately. We aim to see patients within 2 weeks of feeling a lump.
What you need to know:
What does the breast feel like normally?
Before the menopause normal breasts feel different at different times of the month. The milk-producing tissue in the breast becomes active in the days before a period starts. In some women, the breasts at this time feel tender and lumpy, especially near the armpits.
After a hysterectomy the breasts usually show the same monthly differences until the time when your periods would have stopped.
After the menopause activity in the milk-producing tissue stops. Normal breasts feel soft, less firm and not lumpy.
What changes should you look out for?
Appearance. Any change in the outline or shape of the breast, especially those caused by arm movements. Any puckering or dimpling of the skin.
Feelings. Discomfort or pain in one breast that is different from normal, particularly if new and persistent.
Lumps. Any lumps, thickening or bumpy areas in one breast or armpit which seem to be different from the same part of the other breast and armpit. This is very important if new.
Nipple change. Nipple discharge, if it is new and not milky. Bleeding or moist reddish areas which don’t heal easily. Any change in nipple position - pulled in or pointing differently. A nipple rash on or around the nipple.
For more information about ICIM’s Breast Assessment, please call us on 045-844 819 or email info@icim.ie
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