your breasts and ideally it should be a time
away from your menstruation. For those
who have already gone into menopause
(risk of breast cancer higher in women
over 55 years of age) use a certain date.
For example my birthday is on the 25th so
when I become menopausal can use 25th
of every month to do my self-breast exam.
How To Do A Self-Breast
Exam
Start by undressing and looking at the
breasts in the mirror to see if you notice
any skin changes in terms of color and
texture and compare the breasts for
symmetry. Once done with that with left
hand examine the right breast by exerting
pressure on the tissue with all the fingers
laying flat on the breast to feel for any
unusual lumps or bumps. Squeeze the
nipple to see if there is any abnormal
discharge. Finish off by examining your
armpits to see if there are any palpable
lymph nodes. Repeat the same on the
other side but use the right hand to
examine the left breast. You can always
get a nurse or doctor to show you how to
do it to feel more confident.
For those diagnosed with breast cancer the
treatment usually involves surgery, which
can range from just removing the lump
(lumpectomy) to removing the whole
breast (mastectomy) and having lymph
Unlike cervical can-
cer which can be pre-
vented through vac-
cination and regular
screening for precan-
cerous lesions, breast
cancer can only be
treated early. I have
a patient who com-
pleted treatment for
breast cancer and
has even gone on to
conceive and is now
a mum following the
success of her treat-
ment.
nodes removed as well. Whatever tissue is
removed is subjected to histology to find
out what type of cancer it is as different
forms respond to different agents e.g.
hormone therapy.
Based on tumor type a medical oncologist
will prescribe chemotherapy and hormone
therapy if indicated and the radio-
onclogist will prescribe radiotherapy.
Most women will undergo radiotherapy.
Few cases are very advanced and in such
instances palliative care will be instituted.
With early diagnosis cure can be achieved
and this is considered as living 5 or more
years after treatment tumor free.
The treatments are not without side
effects and for surgery common side
effects include surgical site infection, pain,
swelling of the hand due to accumulation
of lymph fluid (lympoedema), bleeding
and risk of embolism.
Side effects of chemotherapy include
hair loss or thinning (alopecia), nausea,
vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea,
symptoms of menopause, such as loss of
periods, hot flashes, mood swings, night
sweats, and vaginal dryness, tiredness or
weakness (fatigue). Other possible side
effects your doctor can check or test
you for include: mouth and throat sores,
low red or white blood cell counts, heart
problems, blood or bone marrow cancer
and so on.
Radiotherapy can cause skin irritation
and redness, breast changes or swelling,
tiredness or weakness (fatigue), swelling
in one or more of the arms or legs, dry
cough or trouble swallowing.
Common side effects of hormone therapy
you can recognize are: symptoms of
menopause, such as hot flashes, mood
swings, night sweats, and vaginal changes,
joint and muscle pain, tiredness or
weakness (fatigue), nausea.
Other side effects your doctor may test or
check for include: cataracts (clouding of
the lens in the eye), Endometrial or uterine
cancer, Liver or heart problems, including
stroke or blood clots, osteoporosis (bone
loss).
As you can see especially those who have
not had someone close to them undergo
treatment it is no walk in the park.
In closing I’d like to dedicate this piece
to all breast cancer survivors and wish
everyone to do the needful remembering
that almost 1% of cases of breast cancer
are in men.
Dr. Maureen Owiti is a practicing
Obstetrician Gynaecologist and
fertility consultant based in
Nairobi. You can commune with
her on this or related matters via
email at: Drmaureenowiti@gmail.
com.