02.08.06
Bosom Buddies
There are certain risks that come with being a woman or with the aging process, one of which concerns our breasts, our bosom buddies. We have heard of many people we know fall victim to breast cancer and unfortunately many of them regretted not going for a mammogram, which only needs to be done once a year.
I have started going for the mammogram 2 years ago and would like to share the experience with you on what I learned about breast cancer and the importance of mammogram.
There is no known cause for breast cancer but certain factors increase the odds of the disease. A woman is more suseptible if:
- she is more than 45 years old and has not gone through menopause
- she did not become pregnant before age 30
- her mother or sister had breast cancer, especially before menopause and especially in both breasts
As you can see from the above, older lesbians face a higher risk than the general female population. Thus, we should practice self-care for our own sake as well as for our loved ones. For a start, we must start going for mammogram once we reach the age of 40.
Unfortunately, there are usually no symptoms during the early stages of breast cancer; only a mammogram can detect it. Later, however, you may notice:
- swelling or a lump in the breast
- an achy or uncomfortable breast
- one breast that looks different from the other
- breast skin that is dimpled or pitted like an orange peel
- a nipple that looks as though it had been pushed in
- bleeding from the nipple
Left untreated, cancer eventually will spread. Almost all forms of cancer theraphy have unpleasant side effects, and many fail to halt the spread. However, treatment - especially when performed early enough, usually improves the chances.
Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the test. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
During mammography, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear plexiglas or other plastic). You will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the compressor.
Unfortunately this is a necessary pain that we have to go through once a year. A small price to pay in view of the potential risk of not doing it.
Be brave, go for it.
