A health investment that may save your life

Abstract

Breast cancer need not continue to be the devastating, deadly disease it has been in the past. With early detection, there is a higher rate of cure. There are three components to good breast health. These include (a) annual physical exam by a physician, (b) mammography according to the prescribed guidelines, and (c) monthly breast self-examination (BSE). When a woman does all three of these things, she's doing everything she can to insure early detection of breast cancer. This article discusses location, description, and characteristics of tumors. It also includes a teaching protocol developed for Midwest Breast Care Center in St. Louis, Missouri by the writer that includes risk factors, signs, and symptoms of breast cancer. It also includes new, comprehensive examination techniques set forth by the University of Texas System Cancer Center M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The protocol is set up in a step-by-step format for easier teaching and learning. New, more thorough examination techniques have also been established at M. D. Anderson for the woman who has had a mastectomy and needs to examine the surgical site each month as well as her remaining breast. The article encourages women to take responsibility for their breast health and wellness.