Boobs: Treat 'em right

Boobies!

Now that I have your attention, let's think about them. From birth to death, male or female, young or old, breasts seem to get a lot of attention. As we move beyond function and mother's milk, they serve to attract. Even beyond that, they serve as a significant part of female identity lifelong. Yet for all that focus, they don't get the attention they need.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Repeated studies and medical advice indicate breast self-exams (BSEs) can reduce breast cancer mortality, yet the majority of us don't practice it at all, let alone regularly. One in eight women will get it, but according to one study, only 29 percent of women aged 21 to 65 performed BSEs. Waiting for the annual physician's exam just doesn't cut it, ladies.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers - the second leading cause of death among women, behind heart disease - are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular BSE is very important.

Chances are most readers have known someone who has or had breast cancer. I do, and I'm very grateful Priscilla caught it early, went public to warn other women, and is still around to be my friend.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and invade healthy tissue, forming a tumor. Each year more than 220,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed and more than 40,000 will die from it, according to the NBCF. While breast cancer in men is rare, more than 2,000 men are also diagnosed with it annually.

Along with self-screenings and annual exams, mammograms are a key detection tool. The CDC recommends that women aged 50 to 74 years get one every two years (perhaps more often in cases of family or personal history), and other cancer groups recommend them starting at age 40.

Meanwhile, in addition to reducing cancer risks with exercise, a low-fat/low-alcohol diet, and no smoking, women should ask their OB-GYN or try this website to learn how to conduct self-exams: www.NationalBreastCancer.org/breast-self-exam. Please make them part of your monthly routine - say the first of each month.

No, cancer doesn't always mean chemo, and no, deodorants don't cause it. Never rely on email forwards without checking them out with a reliable, scientific source. For more myth-busting, cancer information and support, see NationalBreastCancer.org.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].