Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Debunking the Myths
With the constant barrage of information on breast cancer available in just about every medium, women who are at risk (and even those who are merely concerned for their over-all health) are in danger of becoming misinformed while wading through the floodgates of myths and scientific facts.
While the most logical choice would be to consult a specialist whenever one deals with breast cancer diagnosis, most people cannot be expected to wait that long, and are anxious to digest every piece of information they can get.
Here are some hard, logical facts on the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis:
· Just as there is no absolute formula in defining who is and isn’t at risk, it would be practical to suggest that heredity, lifestyle, weight, and age play their own roles as variable in breast cancer diagnosis
· While there is not scientific basis in intuition, it’s sensible to think that you know your body best. If you feel pain in any part of your breast and have come across a lump during a self-examination, it’s time to make an appointment with a doctor. He or she may recommend the proper treatment, whether through immediate biopsy, or further observation.
· Breast cancer diagnosis does not consist of merely conducting breast self-exams every month. Do not wait for extreme pain or a noticeable lump to appear before you have yourself diagnosed. Keeping in mind your age, lifestyle, and weight, it’s more responsible to have routine physical examinations which may or may not include mammograms or ultrasounds, depending on how your doctor wishes to proceed.
· Cysts are not the equivalent to breast cancer. However, it would be extremely difficult to conduct breast self-exams when a cyst is blocking the way. Again, consulting a doctor on the best approach to your cysts, whether through draining them or medication, is the logical thing to do.
· Even as the nipple is only a small part of the breast, do not underestimate the damage that can be inflicted if it contracts cancer. A rash breakout could be a possible sign of Paget’s disease. Caught early, there is a high percentage of curing this type of cancer. This is a good reason to not just examine the bigger part of your breasts, but the nipples as well.
· Just as there is no direct link between anti-perspirants and breast cancer (as most practitioners have debunked this as a myth), there is also no such thing as one absolute diagnosis, meaning, when in doubt, get a second opinion, or a third, even. There is no such thing as being too meticulous when it comes to breast cancer diagnosis, and being absolutely sure about the facts will give you the confidence and strength to follow through with the recommended treatments.
· There is always a bigger chance of curing breast cancer the earlier it is diagnosed. As there is no definite pace in which cancer progresses, time is of the essence and decisions have to be thorough and quick. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally crippling and so the importance of the support of family and friends, as well as the competency of the doctor cannot be stressed enough.
Simply put, do not perform a breast cancer diagnosis by yourself –whether you are worried about your particular condition or someone else –a family member or a friend. This would really be irresponsible, and any mistake will have long-term repercussions. We have breast cancer specialists for many reasons –one if which is their sound ability to determine the stages, variables, treatments and chances of curing this disease, but most of all is the ability to provide a correct breast cancer diagnosis.
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