Courage

Breast Cancer Awareness Month hits different when you know someone personally affected. You would think it odd being a clinician not to have patients with this comorbidity, but my specialty is Occupational Medicine. Our patients mostly consist of well visits. I suppose some could have it in their histories, but it still is not the same as being acquainted with someone battling the disease—especially my age. This month, my friend gave an inspirational speech and shared her story at an event. And all I could think about was, I can only aspire to have her courage.  

It was thought-provoking enough that I begun making dietary changes in my personal life along with educating everyone on the benefits of a proper nutrition. That isn’t the only difference she has made. We went to high school together and thanks to the power of social media, we have been connected for the past 3 decades. Along her journey, she assembled other beautiful women we grew up with into a group chat. On occasion, we share important moments and uplifting words of encouragement to aid in challenges we encounter in our lives. She is special, and I hope she knows the difference she has made.

A few years ago, a couple of nodules were found in my breasts that only needed to be watched every 6 months with sonograms and annual mammograms. I was still concerned, of course. Grateful for a friend’s husband, who happened to be a breast surgeon, I got a second opinion to make sure there wasn’t anything more I should be doing to decrease my chances of pathology. Thankfully, everything was being done appropriately, and I felt at ease. This year, one of the nodules shrunk in size, and the other remained the same.

The experience reminded me that I should start following the same advice I give my female patients. If you are a woman, try to perform Breast Self-Exams (BSE) every month or at least whenever you remember. 3-6 times a year is better than never at all. It is most important to become familiar with your breast tissue. Some breasts are more dense than others. That way you are able to identify an abnormality sooner. Once a month preferably 7-10 days after your menses. If you are peri- or menopausal, pick a day a month you will remember to examine your breasts.

You are feeling for hard painless lumps, bumps, beads or seed-like structures. In a circular motion by your middle two fingers, palpate or press around your areola and out to the rest of your breast, squeezing the nipples as well. Any discharge needs to be reported to your doctor. You also want to palpate across your clavicle or chest area and underneath your arms (axillas) where the lymph nodes are. You can review the BSE technique on YouTube.

We should all avoid fast and processed food. Similarly, a fatty diet is contraindicated. Eating fruit and vegetables is encouraged along with proper hydration, exercise and sleep. Ultimately, stress should be managed in ways that promote wellness such as meditation and mindfulness. It is never too late to adopt healthier coping mechanisms in our lives. We not only owe it to ourselves and our loved ones, but to the survivors around us who are brave enough to have shared their stories.  -Dr. T

Do you think more can be done to assist in early detection?