Breast Cancer - Self Examination for Early Detection

Self Examination of Breasts for early detention of Breast Cancer

Whenever we hear the word 'cancer', we always try to assure ourselves that we can never we afflicted with this deadly disease. But the irony is cancer is a silent killer goes undetected unlike a simple fever. My reason for writing this post on my blog happens to be none other then my mother, who was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer 2 years ago, fought bravely and is on her road to recovery now. Writing this article, I feel a bit satisfied that I am able to do my little bit in spreading awareness about breast cancer amongst everyone who reads this post. My mother had a benign tumour in one of her breasts which turned malignant after 4 years. Her diagnosis was a chance diagnosis and other then lump in breast, there are few other symptoms of breast which I have briefly discussed here.

Do spare few minutes in reading this article and sharing it with every woman who matters to you. Readers may find a few pictures disturbing.

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in a breast, as a result of mutations or abnormal changes in the genes responsible for regulating healthy growth of cells. A group of such cells constitute a tumour, which may be either benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant/dangerous. Malignant tumors in breast, unless they are classified as non-invasive, have a tendency to spread beyond original tumor site to other parts of the body.

Anatomy of Breast

 
A Ducts
B Lobules
C Dilated section of duct to hold milk
D Nipple
E Fat
F Pectoralis major muscle
G Chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement
A Normal duct cells
B Basement membrane
C Lumen (center of duct)

Breast cancer is mainly of two types:

• Ductal carcinoma - Cancer which occurs in milk ducts; and
• Lobular carcinoma - Cancer occurs in the milk secreting breast lobules

Breast cancer can further be divided into following types, depending upon its tendency to spread to different parts of body. These types can be classified as:

• In-situ breast cancer - The cancer cells remains confined within their place of origin and do not attack surrounding breast tissue; and
• Invasive or metastatic breast cancer - The cancer cells, apart their place of origin, spread to different parts of the body.

Breast Cancer Symptoms: Following abnormalities in the breast anatomy are suggestive breast cancer symptoms:

• ·         Unusual swelling of all or one specific part of the breast
• ·         Continuous skin irritation or dimpling
• ·         Persisting pain in breast
• ·         Persisting nipple pain or inversion of nipple
• ·         Inflammation or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• ·         An unusual discharge from the nipple other than breast milk
• ·         Lump in the breast or underarm area

Few images of possible symptoms of Breast Cancer:

Inverted Nipple

A Graphic image of tumor in Breast

Pain or unusual swelling in Breast

Causes of Breast Cancer: 

The definite cause(s) of breast cancer are not known, but primarily the following causes have been attributed to cause breast cancer: 

• Age factor: The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a woman gets older. A majority of breast cancer cases are found in women over age 50. 16% of women aged between 40-60 years have breast-related problems, and complain of breast lumps. These breast lumps may carry a potential breast cancer risk.

• Genetic factors: Presence of breast cancer genes BR CA1 and BR CA2 in chromosomes increases the chance of developing either breast or ovarian cancer, or both, by 85%.

• Family History: A family history of breast cancer or any other cancer, increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by 3 to 5 times. If a close relative was diagnosed with breast, uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer, the chances of breast cancer are more. About 20 - 30% of women with breast cancer have a family history of disease. Both maternal and paternal relatives are important. The risk is highest if the affected relative developed breast cancer at a young age, had cancer in both breasts, or if she is a close relative. First-degree relatives, (mother, sister, daughter) are most important in estimating risk and second-degree relatives (grandmother, aunt) with breast cancer may also increase risk. Breast cancer in a male increases the risk for all his close female relatives. Having relatives with both breast and ovarian cancer also increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

• Hormonal disturbances and imbalance: Woman who do not bear children or bear children at a late age are at increased risk to developing breast cancer. Similarly, women who started their menstrual periods before age 12 and women reached menopause after age 55, are also at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Oral contraceptives are known to increase the risk for breast cancer as they increase production of estrogen hormone in female body. Similarly, post menopausal women who who were on estrogen and progesterone for several years were increased to risk of breast cancer. 

Breast Self Examination: 

Coming back to self examination for early detection of breast cancer, every woman from age 20, should herself physically examine her breasts monthly.  Breast self examination is a very simple procedure to detect any changes/abnormalities in the breast. I came across this comprehensive procedure along with graphic images for Breast Self Examination on www.breastcancer.org and I have reproduced the same below:

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here's what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color. 
• Breasts are evenly shaped without ANY visible distortion or swelling.              

Step 1

                              

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

• dimpling, puckering, thickening or bulging of the skin.
• a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out).
• redness, soreness, rash, or swelling. 

Step 2: Raise your arms and look for the same changes as described in Step 1.

Step 2

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).  

Step 3

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage. 

Step 4

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Any changes/abnormalities noticed during Breast Self examination should be immediately brought to notice of a medical practitioner/doctor. However, every lump or any other symptoms above described are not necessarily malignant tumors, but should be immediately examined by a doctor. 

Step 5

Apart from Breast self examination, early detection involves:

·         Clinical breast exams by a medical professional

·         Screening mammography

·         Mammography, Breast MRI and Breast Ultrasound to help identify the breast lump

·         Breast ultrasound to show whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled

·         Breast biopsy, needle aspiration, or breast lump removal to remove all or part of the breast lump

·         CT scan

·         Sentinal lymph node biopsy

·         PET scan

 

Most experts recommend that women of age 20 and above should examine their breasts once a month during the week following the menstrual period. Women between the ages 20 and 39 should have a doctor examine their breasts at least once every 3 years.

After age 40:

• Women of age 40 years and older should have a mammogram every 1 - 2 years, depending on their risk factors. Women should call their doctor immediately if they notice in change in their breasts whether or not they do routine breast self-exams.
• Women of age 40 years and older should have a complete breast exam by a doctor every year.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice in any manner and is meant only to create awareness among readers for early detection of Breast Cancer. A substantial amount of information including images provided in this article is procured from www.breastcancer.org.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser - Review

I recently got hold of this wonderful cleanser, which is definitely on its way to become my HG face cleanser. During my teens I used to have oily skin but since past 2-3 years, I have noticed that my skin has turned more into combination skin type, i.e. very oily on T-ZONE and dry on cheeks and rest of my face. I actually came to know that my skin is combination type after reading a lot of blogs. Before I always used to think that my skin was oily. :-P. My skin has become dry to the extent that even during scorching summers of Delhi, I at times feel the need to apply a thick cream like Vaseline Total Moisture 24 hour moisturizing cream. The effect lasts only for 5-6 hours after which I need to reapply. So during my search for a non-drying cleanser, a lot of my friends recommended Cetaphil Cleanser, which is especially for sensitive skin. I have been using this for past 2 weeks now and I think it’s the appropriate time for a review. 

What the Website says:

Cetaphil^® Gentle Skin Cleanser is great for daily makeup removal. Originally formulated for dermatologists, this cleanser is gentle on your skin and sensitive to your skin’s needs. Cetaphil^® Gentle Skin Cleanser will not strip the skin of natural protective oils or emollients, or disturb the skin’s natural pH balance. Recommended for years by dermatologists, it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Cetaphil^® Gentle Skin Cleanser is gentle enough for children, teens and adults. Suitable for: All skin types, infants, eczema, acne, rosacea & psoriasis. Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser is gentle enough for children, teens and adults.

What the product claims:

Originally developed by dermatologists especially for sensitive skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a soap substitute that preserves your skin’s natural protective oils. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser softens your skin as it gently cleanses. Independent clinical tests using Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser undiluted has shown it to be one of the gentlest non-soap cleansers. Its special formulation won’t sting your eyes and can remove light make-up without clogging pores. Developed to be used with or without water, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is pH balanced and lanolin and fragrance free. Suitable for: All skin types, infants, eczema, acne, rosacea & psoriasis.

Suitable for: All skin types

Ingredients: 

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben

How I Use: 

I don’t use any makeup and the only thing that is there on my face at the end of the day is dust and grime. :-P. So I cannot say much about its claim for makeup removal. I use it like any other face wash. Take a small amount, about a 50 paise coin and apply on my face like a normal face wash. Rinse off with plenty of water. It can also be applied on face and then wiped off with cotton or wash cloth.

The Good:

• It is very gentle yet very effective too. My face feels fresh and clean without any dry and stretchy feeling.
• Can be used on acne prone skin or sensitive skin.
• Very suitable for people with dry skin or combination skin. I have combination skin and it works very well.
• No added fragrance and it is non-comedogenic (Means it will not produce or aggravate acne.)
• Price, a very good product at a very affordable price. Available for Rs. 110 for 120 ml
• Can be used on eczematous, xerotic skin and sunburnt skin.

The Not so Good:

• The packaging which looks like a bottle of some medicine. I would have loved the packaging with a bit of more colour.
• I somehow don’t find this bottle easy to carry even though its not very big in size. I would have preferred a flip top squeeze tube which would be easier to carry.
• It claims to prevent acne but I am not fully satisfied on this part. 2-3 times in a month, I get these breakouts like spots on my forehead which appear to be under a layer of skin. They look like a small and swollen spot without a pimple head. No improvement in such breakouts, but 2 weeks is very less time to notice any improvement.
• Gives a light chemical smell.
• It is meant for sensitive skin but may not be of much use to oily skin.
• Contains parabens and all ingredients are chemicals.

Verdict: 

I will purchase it again for obvious reasons. It really helped to provide relief my dry skin. I am on the lookout for their body wash now but can’t find it anywhere.

P.S. - Blogger has been misbehaving again since past few days. So just wanted to remind you all to export your blogs to the HDD. :-)

Giveaway Alerts

Cynthia's having her a wonderful giveaway for her birthday, and the goodies are Inglot Eyeshadows and

Sleek Avoir la Peche Collection. Enter her giveaway here 

Rakshanda of Chamber of Beauty  having her first giveaway. Enter the giveaway here

Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil

I am going to share my small hair care story with you ladies today. I clearly remember going to a men's saloon with my dad for a boy haircut when I was a 5 year old kid. Cut to age of 8 years, I decided to betray my dad and started accompanying my mom instead. :-) Till the time I was old enough enough to understand and remember, the parlour ladies always used to ask my mother as to what did she apply to my hair. One particular incident I remember is when one such lady asked me the same question but I could not really give her a reply to satisfy her. She was very much adamant that I must be doing something extra to have such hair. Mind you, by such hair, she meant 'dense and thick'. In terms of shine, my hair has no extraordinary shine. Like I already told you, I have been blessed with dry but thick, dense and slightly wavy hair which appear like soft curls when left open.You can see a few pics here. 

Such queries used to be bombarded at me during my every visit. Not that I am complaining, I always came back happier. Till a few years back, I desperately wanted to join the poker straight hair gang and had almost decided to get my hair rebonded, when a poor cousin of mine who had recently got her hair rebonded suffered some very bad side effects from rebonding, resulting in her hair almost resembling a jhaadu (her words, not mine). She even developed a small bald patch appear on her hairline just above the forehead. 

Long story shirt, I have made peace with my hair now and am very much happy with my wavy and dancing, twisting tresses. Oh ya, and very recently, I got bugged by the I-want-long-hair syndrome. Courtesy:Blogspot.com :-)

So I decided to take some extra care of my hair. A friend suggested to use Bajaj Almond Drops hair oil. I have been using it for almost 2 months now.So time for the review :

What the Website Says:

Launched in 1989, Bajaj Almond Drops is the key brand of Bajaj Corp Ltd and is the leading brand in the light hair oil category. It is one of the most premium hair oil brands in India. Bajaj Almond Drops is the fastest growing brand in the hair oil category; growing in double digits year-on-year. It is already the largest brand in the light hair oil category and currently accounts to 50% of this market. Being a light, non-sticky hair oil, it provides the traditional do-good benefits of nourishment without having the biggest negative attached to a hair oil–stickiness. With real Almond extracts, Bajaj Almond Drops has 300% more Vitamin - E than coconut oil which helps nourish the hair roots and makes them strong and healthy. 

It fulfills the dual benefit of do-good due to the almond nourishment and look-good due to being a Non-Sticky hair oil. Thus gives you the ease of styling.

It comes in a unique glass bottle packaging which helps to retain the aroma, the essential qualities of Almond extract & Vitamin E. It is available in all convenient pack sizes of 300ml, 200ml, 100ml, 75ml, 50ml, 20ml and 3ml sachet.

Source: Website 

 What the Product Says:

• Nourishes hair roots and Scalp
• Keeps Hair Healthy and Long 

Key Ingredients:

Mineral oil, Vegetable oil, Perfume, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E

2-3 drops on my hand

Price: Rs. 100 for 300 ml.

How do I use it :

I take the quantity required for my hair, approximately 3 teaspoons and  slightly warm it on gas or in microwave. Massage for 5-7 minutes into the roots.Leave the oil overnight or apply 1-2 hours before shampoo. 

How it works: 

Whenever I apply it before hair wash, my hair looks and feels more nourished and less dry after. Hair also feels more manageable and smooth in texture.

The Good about it:

• Its a very light oil, non-sticky and spreads easily. 
• Contains almonds and Vitamin E, which help to nourish hair and keep it healthy. 
• Non-sticky texture of the oil. I sometimes apply a small amount like half teaspoon mixed with water on my hair after shampoo, when my hair feels extremely dry. 
• Has a nice fragrance but it may be a bit strong for some people. The smell is more strong when the oil is taken in hand but smells very mildly when applied to hair. I like the fragrance more then the coconut oil. 
• Inexpensive for Rs. 100 for 300 ml.
  

The Bad about it: 

• It comes in a big glass bottle and there is always risk of breaking the bottle. However, the website claims that the unique glass bottle packaging helps to retain the aroma, the essential qualities of Almond extract & Vitamin E. A little careful handling won't be any difficult.
• I could not think of any more. :-)

Final verdict: 

I can see the effect of this hair oil on my hair instantly. My hair is much more smooth and  manageable whenever I use it. Whenever, i skip using this oil before shampoo, hair looks and feels much more dry and unruly. I notice alot of flyaways too. 

My mom had lost all her hair due to chemotherapy. Her hair is growing back now but was a bit then before. At times, there was even considerable hairfall. I started using Bajaj Almond Drops for her hair and let it stay for 2-3 hours before hairwash. 4-5 times after using this oil, her hairfall decreased and her hair even looks better now.

I have even used this oil on my  face and as an eye cream and it works equally well as Almond oil. never broke me out. 

Definitely gets 2 thumb up from me. Will buy it again. 

What is your haircare regime ?

Clean and Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub

I always had a major problem of blackheads on my combination skin, i.e. oily T-zone and dry skin everywhere else. During my schooling days, I was not much aware of the concept of scrubs and always used to squeeze them out from my nose and chin. I know most of you must be gasping while reading this, but I never had any problems like after-scars, infections, break outs etc. I still squeeze out a few pesky and big blackheads from my nose and chin, but only after duly sanitising my hands and cleansing and steaming my face. My tryst with blackhead scrubs started when I first discovered St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub a few years ago. Since then, it has been my HG blackhead scrub. 

Clean and Clear recently launched this Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub. Lets see what all it claims and how it works: 

What It Claims

A unique blend of micro-scrubbing beads work to breakdown trapped dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can cause blackheads. Next the natural apple extract formula penetrates deep down into the pores to help soften stubborn blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. Its gentle exfoliating action gives you visibly less blackheads in just 3 days for a clean clear beautiful skin.

Directions For Use

Wet face, squeeze product on your palm and work into a rich lather. Gently massage lather onto face concentrating on blackhead prone areas such as nose and chin. Rinse thoroughly with water. 

Quantity required for Face

Does not lather

Price
Rs 27 for 20gms, Rs 49 for 50gms and Rs 99 for 100gms

Pros:

• The price is definitely a steal. A good product from Johnson and Johnson at dirt cheap price.
• Leaves face feeling squeaky clean.
• Gentle enough for daily use, but I think it would suit oily skin better.
• Claim of visibly less blackheads in 3 days works to a certain extent.

Cons:

• It claims to be gentle enough for daily use, but I find it a bit harsh on dry areas of my face. By dry, I mean, somewhat more dry then other scrubs. My cheeks are very dry and after using this scrub, they felt very dry and flaky despite use of generous amount of moisturizer. Finally, I had to use some almond oil to clam down the dryness.
• Does not lather at all, no matter how much quantity you take.
• Scrubbing/exfoliating granules are very tiny. I personally prefer scrubs which are a bit abrasive. Somehow it gives me the satisfaction of exfoliation more.
• No list of ingredients on the product.
• Blackheads on my T-zone reduced only very slightly and I could not notice any drastic difference in blackheads on my oily zone. The stubborn blackheads at corners of nose and tip of chin did not reduce at all. The tiny blackheads only reduced by 20-30%. I would have used the scrub for a longer period on daily basis, but I felt like it was making my skin extremely dry, so had to discontinue using it.

My Take: I think I would rather continue using my HG St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub. 

P.S. - Product sent by Brand for consideration.  

Clean and Clear also sent me one of these cute coffee mugs for taking part in one of their surveys.