Cancer 329
Breast cancer
Breast cancer has many causes, including exposure to toxic chemicals from
pesticides, oil, cleaning products, and air pollution. If a woman’s mother or
sisters have had breast cancer, she may have a greater chance of getting it too.
Breast cancer is most common in women over 50.
Breast cancer usually grows slowly, and is sometimes cured if found early.
Women can watch for signs of breast cancer by examining their breasts
themselves. Look for lumps or unusual discharge from the nipples. If a woman
does this once a month, she will be familiar with how her breasts look and feel,
and will notice any changes.
Howbctnobexnxcabmine your breasts
➊ Look at your breasts in a mirror. Raise your arms
over your head. Look for any change in the
shape of your breasts, or any swelling or changes
in the skin or nipples. Then put your arms at your
sides and check your breasts again.
➋ Lie down. Keeping your fingers flat, press your breast
and feel for any lumps.
➌ Be sure to touch every part of your breast. It helps to
use the same pattern every time, such as a spiral or rows
of straight lines.
What to do if you find a lump
If the lump is smooth or rubbery, and moves under the skin
when you push it with your fingers, do not worry about it. But
if it is hard, has an uneven shape, and is painless, keep watching it, especially if
the lump is in only one breast and does not move even when you push it. See a
health worker if the lump is still there after your next monthly bleeding. This may
be a sign of cancer. Also see a health worker if there is a discharge from the nipples
that looks like blood or pus.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012