In the last decade Botulinum toxin has become an option in the treatment of axillary sweating disorder. The treatment includes injections of Botulinum toxin in the axilla. Using a very fine needle the entire armpit is injected. Despite what the health care practitioners say, it is not a fun to have these injections. Botox acts by blocking release of secretions from the sweat glands. Rarely it is used to treat sweating around the palms or the face. When used in the hand area, it is not only painful but may temporarily paralyze small muscles of the hand.
After a few hours, one can resume daily living activities but all heavy exercises should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours.
Botox does not decrease sweating in everyone. Clinical data reveal that only 50-75% of individuals respond and the results are varied. Some people see a major reduction in sweat and others only see a mild effect.
Most people see a reduction in sweat in about 48 hours. If no effect has occurred by this time period, it is unlikely that Botox will work. The full effect of Botox takes up to 3-7 days. If Botox injections did not work the first time, do not be foolish and go to the same health care professional for a second attempt- unless you suspect that the individual who injected you was incompetent or if the Botox was fake/diluted.
Botox is not a cure for sweating and its effects wear off after a period of 4-10 months. Numerous injections (20-50) of the toxin are usually required. The treatments have to be repeated every 6-10 months. After the injections most individuals complain of flu like syndrome, which lasts a few days.
So far, no serious complications have been reported and it appears that Botox does provide temporarily relief from sweating in some lucky individuals.
The cost of Botox for treating sweating is variable and depends on how many injections you get and who does them. The average cost for Botox to treat sweating is anywhere from $400-$1,000. Physicians usually charge the higher number.
Final Word: Medicine and money have never been a great combination. There are now lots of people performing Botox injections. Besides health care professionals, there are a many other individuals who have no idea what is the meaning of the word sterility, performing these injections. In addition, there are a lot of reports of fake and diluted Botox being used. So in the end, remember the adage, “Buyer Beware” - seek a health care professional whom you can trust.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Symptoms of Menopause
A frequent and much-bemoaned symptom of menopause is the intense hot flashes that are not predictable or short lived. A sensation of warmth that spreads over the body, often most prominent around the face, neck and chest; these hot flashes usually last several minutes. Often times, hot flashes are accompanied by night sweats, an event of saturated sweat that occurs in the nighttime. Noticeably, the quality of sleep is usually disturbed.
Other common symptoms do become obvious as menopause progresses. When estrogen levels decline, the tissue lining the vagina begins to thin and loses elasticity. This incidence presents itself in generating symptoms like frequent vaginal itching, dryness, and irritation. The urethral lining also is similarly affected and this often leads to an increased incidence of urinary tract infections.
Menopausal women may also start to gain weight or redistribute body fat. Since the body continues to produce a small amount of testosterone which is now unopposed by the low estrogen, menopausal women may also notice hair growth in places like the upper lip, chin, chest and abdomen.
Aside from the physical changes menopause can bring emotional symptoms that are varied in nature. Some women experience memory problems, fatigue, irritability, depression, loss of energy and rapid mood swings. There is a definite link between low levels of estrogen and mood disorders.
However, it is difficult to say how much of any of these problems are caused by menopause itself and how big a part outside factors could play, such as stress, marriage, children, money, or lifestyle changes.
Even though it appears that the symptoms go on forever, the good news is that there are a number of good treatments available.
Other common symptoms do become obvious as menopause progresses. When estrogen levels decline, the tissue lining the vagina begins to thin and loses elasticity. This incidence presents itself in generating symptoms like frequent vaginal itching, dryness, and irritation. The urethral lining also is similarly affected and this often leads to an increased incidence of urinary tract infections.
Menopausal women may also start to gain weight or redistribute body fat. Since the body continues to produce a small amount of testosterone which is now unopposed by the low estrogen, menopausal women may also notice hair growth in places like the upper lip, chin, chest and abdomen.
Aside from the physical changes menopause can bring emotional symptoms that are varied in nature. Some women experience memory problems, fatigue, irritability, depression, loss of energy and rapid mood swings. There is a definite link between low levels of estrogen and mood disorders.
However, it is difficult to say how much of any of these problems are caused by menopause itself and how big a part outside factors could play, such as stress, marriage, children, money, or lifestyle changes.
Even though it appears that the symptoms go on forever, the good news is that there are a number of good treatments available.
Menopause 101
Menopause is frequently referred to as the “change of life”. It is a natural part of the aging process for all women, generally becoming obvious by irregular menstrual cycles and concluding in cessation of menstruation altogether. This conversion into a new phase of life can be perplexing for many women. What is menopause? When does menopause start? What symptoms will I experience? When will it end?
For most women, menopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55, though some women may arrive at menopause as early as age 35 or not until 55. There is no way to foretell when an individual woman will arrive at menopause, though there does seem to be a relationship between the menopausal ages of the mother and daughter.
The beginning of menopause is discernible by irregular menstrual cycle span, which can mean longer, or shorter menstrual cycles. There is also a noticeable change in the flow of periods- from lighter or heavier. Due to the natural hormone variations in a woman’s body at this time, other signs or symptoms may portray themselves in unpredictable intensities.
As menopause moves forward, a woman’s body steadily decreases production of the female sex hormone, estrogen. Estrogen is known to regulate menstruation and pregnancy, as well as help in development of female physical and sexual characteristics such as body shape, fat, breasts and hair. Estrogen also acts to strengthen bone; therefore women going through or who have gone through menopause are at increased risk for osteoporosis.
The severity of menopausal symptoms experienced fluctuate significantly from woman to woman. Some women may experience considerable menopausal symptoms, both physical and emotional, while others may experience few or none.
For most women, menopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55, though some women may arrive at menopause as early as age 35 or not until 55. There is no way to foretell when an individual woman will arrive at menopause, though there does seem to be a relationship between the menopausal ages of the mother and daughter.
The beginning of menopause is discernible by irregular menstrual cycle span, which can mean longer, or shorter menstrual cycles. There is also a noticeable change in the flow of periods- from lighter or heavier. Due to the natural hormone variations in a woman’s body at this time, other signs or symptoms may portray themselves in unpredictable intensities.
As menopause moves forward, a woman’s body steadily decreases production of the female sex hormone, estrogen. Estrogen is known to regulate menstruation and pregnancy, as well as help in development of female physical and sexual characteristics such as body shape, fat, breasts and hair. Estrogen also acts to strengthen bone; therefore women going through or who have gone through menopause are at increased risk for osteoporosis.
The severity of menopausal symptoms experienced fluctuate significantly from woman to woman. Some women may experience considerable menopausal symptoms, both physical and emotional, while others may experience few or none.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Iontophoresis to treat Sweating
What is Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is an old technique that uses electrical stimulation to decrease sweating. It is used mainly to treat sweating of the palms and/or soles and rarely the armpit. Treatment involves putting the affected areas (usually hands and/or feet) into a small container filled with water. A small electrical current is then passed through the water through special electrodes from a nearby machine. There is no device whereby the whole body can be immersed into the water solution.
Iontophoresis is not painful or dangerous, but may cause a sensation of 'pins and needles' feeling. Most people tolerate the process. However, some individuals may not like the "tingling" feeling.
How iontophoresis works is unknown but does help block the glands from secreting sweat.
Iontophoresis treatment is done 3-4 times per week and each session lasts about 30 minutes. For some unknown reason, the technique does not work in all individuals who sweat. Some individuals do see an improvement after 6-10 treatment sessions. If one does not see an improvement after 8 weeks, it is unlikely to work at all.
A break of 2-4 weeks is allowed in between the sessions. Some recommend a maintenance treatment on a weekly basis. If ordinary tap water does not produce any results, a drug called glycopromium bromide is sometimes added to the water. This may improve the rate of success.
Why iontophoresis does not work in all individuals is a mystery. when it works, the results are a mild reduction in sweating. To maintain the benefit, iontophoresis needs to be done on a weekly basis for a long time
Today Iontophoresis is used in spas, clinics, hospitals and portable devices also available for home use. Iontophoresis is not recommended if one is pregnant or has a pacemaker, metal clips or pins in the body.
For the individual who has a sweat problem, iontophoresis is just one treatment method and it usually does not work. Before you invest your hard earned money into a device with vague claims, go read the testimonials on cyberspace. The bottom line is it is JUNK SCIENCE.. Today, there are much better treatments for sweating.
Another use of iontophoresis is in the delivery of drugs through the skin, where it works superbly.
To know more about iontophoresis for drug delivery, visit www.medexsupply.com
Iontophoresis is an old technique that uses electrical stimulation to decrease sweating. It is used mainly to treat sweating of the palms and/or soles and rarely the armpit. Treatment involves putting the affected areas (usually hands and/or feet) into a small container filled with water. A small electrical current is then passed through the water through special electrodes from a nearby machine. There is no device whereby the whole body can be immersed into the water solution.
Iontophoresis is not painful or dangerous, but may cause a sensation of 'pins and needles' feeling. Most people tolerate the process. However, some individuals may not like the "tingling" feeling.
How iontophoresis works is unknown but does help block the glands from secreting sweat.
Iontophoresis treatment is done 3-4 times per week and each session lasts about 30 minutes. For some unknown reason, the technique does not work in all individuals who sweat. Some individuals do see an improvement after 6-10 treatment sessions. If one does not see an improvement after 8 weeks, it is unlikely to work at all.
A break of 2-4 weeks is allowed in between the sessions. Some recommend a maintenance treatment on a weekly basis. If ordinary tap water does not produce any results, a drug called glycopromium bromide is sometimes added to the water. This may improve the rate of success.
Why iontophoresis does not work in all individuals is a mystery. when it works, the results are a mild reduction in sweating. To maintain the benefit, iontophoresis needs to be done on a weekly basis for a long time
Today Iontophoresis is used in spas, clinics, hospitals and portable devices also available for home use. Iontophoresis is not recommended if one is pregnant or has a pacemaker, metal clips or pins in the body.
For the individual who has a sweat problem, iontophoresis is just one treatment method and it usually does not work. Before you invest your hard earned money into a device with vague claims, go read the testimonials on cyberspace. The bottom line is it is JUNK SCIENCE.. Today, there are much better treatments for sweating.
Another use of iontophoresis is in the delivery of drugs through the skin, where it works superbly.
To know more about iontophoresis for drug delivery, visit www.medexsupply.com
Friday, February 20, 2009
Excess Sweating: A cosmetic nuisance Part 6
Aluminum chloride - a strong antiperspirant
If the topical methods do not help control the sweat and if the normal antiperspirants fail, one should try and get a prescription of an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride is a ‘strong’ antiperspirant and is thought to act by blocking the sweat gland ducts. It tends to work best in the armpits. However, it may also work for sweating of the palms and soles. It is not recommended for use on the face because if the eye gets exposed, it can cause a very painful irritation.
Several brands of aluminum chloride anti perspirants are available (Driclor, Anhydrol Forte, ZeaSorb, Odaban). Some come in a bottle as roll on applicator, others are in a powder form and others come in a spray. These anti perspirants work best when applied to clean dry skin and should be applied at night (when the sweat glands are less active).
For these anti perspirants to work well, one should:
-apply the agent at bed time (sweat glands are less active at night)
-Wash off the agent in the morning
-Avoid shaving the area for at least 24 hrs
-Avoid getting it in the eyes
-do not apply on broken or inflamed skin or redden skin
The agent should be applied every 24-48 hours until the sweat starts to decrease. Once the sweat decrease, the agent can be applied every 1-2 weeks. The response usually takes at least 1-3 weeks to become obvious. Once sweating is under control, the agent should only be applied once every 2-3 weeks.
The problem with aluminum chloride antiperspirants is the severe skin irritation or inflammation. If this occurs and is tolerable, one may continue as it will decrease the sweating. To decrease the side effects of the antiperspirant, one needs to combine it with a topical corticosteroid.
For more on sweating and treatment, visit www.sbmedexmen.blogspot.com
If the topical methods do not help control the sweat and if the normal antiperspirants fail, one should try and get a prescription of an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride is a ‘strong’ antiperspirant and is thought to act by blocking the sweat gland ducts. It tends to work best in the armpits. However, it may also work for sweating of the palms and soles. It is not recommended for use on the face because if the eye gets exposed, it can cause a very painful irritation.
Several brands of aluminum chloride anti perspirants are available (Driclor, Anhydrol Forte, ZeaSorb, Odaban). Some come in a bottle as roll on applicator, others are in a powder form and others come in a spray. These anti perspirants work best when applied to clean dry skin and should be applied at night (when the sweat glands are less active).
For these anti perspirants to work well, one should:
-apply the agent at bed time (sweat glands are less active at night)
-Wash off the agent in the morning
-Avoid shaving the area for at least 24 hrs
-Avoid getting it in the eyes
-do not apply on broken or inflamed skin or redden skin
The agent should be applied every 24-48 hours until the sweat starts to decrease. Once the sweat decrease, the agent can be applied every 1-2 weeks. The response usually takes at least 1-3 weeks to become obvious. Once sweating is under control, the agent should only be applied once every 2-3 weeks.
The problem with aluminum chloride antiperspirants is the severe skin irritation or inflammation. If this occurs and is tolerable, one may continue as it will decrease the sweating. To decrease the side effects of the antiperspirant, one needs to combine it with a topical corticosteroid.
For more on sweating and treatment, visit www.sbmedexmen.blogspot.com
Excess Sweating: A cosmetic nuisance Part 1
Everyone sweats to a certain extent. It is the body’s normal way to get rid of excess heat and control the temperature. Sweating is a common feature in most individuals who exercise, jog, run or do any excessive physical activity.
However, there are some individuals who sweat despite undertaking no physical activity. There is constant perspiration most commonly in the axilla (armpit) or on the arms and hands. This condition is called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. The hyperhidrosis occurs in the absence of heat, stress or fever.
Localized or Focal hyperhidrosis can cause appreciable social problems in both private and professional life. Profuse sweating can result in skin maceration and secondary microbial infections Further if one has sweaty palms all the time, it is difficult to hold any paper or even shake hands with anyone.
Excessive sweating is classified as either localized or systemic. This is very important to know as the treatments are very different. Current treatments for axillary (armpit) hyperhidrosis are often ineffective, short acting, or not well tolerated.
For more on Sweating and Treatment, visit www.sbmedexmen.blogspot.com
However, there are some individuals who sweat despite undertaking no physical activity. There is constant perspiration most commonly in the axilla (armpit) or on the arms and hands. This condition is called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. The hyperhidrosis occurs in the absence of heat, stress or fever.
Localized or Focal hyperhidrosis can cause appreciable social problems in both private and professional life. Profuse sweating can result in skin maceration and secondary microbial infections Further if one has sweaty palms all the time, it is difficult to hold any paper or even shake hands with anyone.
Excessive sweating is classified as either localized or systemic. This is very important to know as the treatments are very different. Current treatments for axillary (armpit) hyperhidrosis are often ineffective, short acting, or not well tolerated.
For more on Sweating and Treatment, visit www.sbmedexmen.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
VIAGRA FOR WOMEN- Nirvana for everyone
Viagra first came on the market about a decade ago and rapidly grabbed the headlines as the ultimate sex stimulant, for man at least. Within a 2 year period of its introduction, the drug had replaced all the so called “aphrodisiacs” and became a major money maker for the pharmaceutical industry.
Viagra was initially developed because it showed great potential in the treatment of high pressures in the lung (pulmonary hypertension). However, it was soon noticed that many of the individuals who were being treated for this troubling condition, started to develop erections (a novelty and nirvana for these sick patients who were struggling to survive). No matter how much doctors care about their patients, they care more about the penis. If there ever was a serendipitous discovery, this was one. Hell with the treatment of the lung problem (pulmonary hypertension) said the drug company, Pfizer.
The drug company, Pfizer, being a quick opportunist, started to market the drug as a “sex enhancer”. And men being men with their sexual overdrive were the subject of the initial Viagra market by Pfizer. Anything to do with sex, men are always eager to spend a few bucks, and so the billions started role in for Pfizer. Almost every internet web site on sex was inundated with Viagra for sale, with one single pill costing anywhere from $ 20-50, and of course, many a site were also selling fake Viagra pills. When the fake Viagra failed to work, Men, as always blamed it on the female counterpart.
The drug was immediately marketed as the ultimate sex pill and like no other drug before, it instantly became the first billion dollar drug- just by providing males with the ultimate MACHISMO. Even today, 10 years later, despite the fact that Viagra has provided great benefits to patients with pulmonary hypertension, very few physicians know about this therapeutic benefit- but they all know about its ability to potentiate an erection.
Infact the majority of Viagra samples given to physicians by drug representatives are taken home and used by the physicians, themselves. Heck with the patients.
Viagra was initially developed because it showed great potential in the treatment of high pressures in the lung (pulmonary hypertension). However, it was soon noticed that many of the individuals who were being treated for this troubling condition, started to develop erections (a novelty and nirvana for these sick patients who were struggling to survive). No matter how much doctors care about their patients, they care more about the penis. If there ever was a serendipitous discovery, this was one. Hell with the treatment of the lung problem (pulmonary hypertension) said the drug company, Pfizer.
The drug company, Pfizer, being a quick opportunist, started to market the drug as a “sex enhancer”. And men being men with their sexual overdrive were the subject of the initial Viagra market by Pfizer. Anything to do with sex, men are always eager to spend a few bucks, and so the billions started role in for Pfizer. Almost every internet web site on sex was inundated with Viagra for sale, with one single pill costing anywhere from $ 20-50, and of course, many a site were also selling fake Viagra pills. When the fake Viagra failed to work, Men, as always blamed it on the female counterpart.
The drug was immediately marketed as the ultimate sex pill and like no other drug before, it instantly became the first billion dollar drug- just by providing males with the ultimate MACHISMO. Even today, 10 years later, despite the fact that Viagra has provided great benefits to patients with pulmonary hypertension, very few physicians know about this therapeutic benefit- but they all know about its ability to potentiate an erection.
Infact the majority of Viagra samples given to physicians by drug representatives are taken home and used by the physicians, themselves. Heck with the patients.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Basal body temperature as a means of birth control
The basal body temperature is frequently used by women for birth control. The Basal body temperature (BBT)is the body temperature when one wakes up in the morning. By monitoring this temperature at the same time every day and observing the changes, one can determine when ovulation has occurred.
This crude method of birth control is widely used all over the world by women who do not want to take the pill and want to rely on natural method of protection. Measuring BBT is not foolproof and only works ¾ of the time. At least ¼ of the women who use this method still end up getting pregnant. The reason for such large error is because the BBT can be affected by the following:
- any illness or fever
- mental stress, anxiety
- poor and disorganized sleep patterns
- frequent use of tobacco
- use of alcohol
- use of a warming device at night or an electric blanket
While the BBT is natural and safe way for family planning, it does have a downside besides getting pregnant. It does not protect one against transmission of sexually transmitted disease.
BBT is not for everyone and should not be used without any experience. Before using BBT one must know hot to use a thermometer (which is relatively easy) and then get a baseline temperature for about 2-3 months. One should get in the habit of measuring the temperature every morning and recording it. In time, one can predict when ovulation is going to occur and when it is completed. If one cannot predict this, then BBT is not for you. The temperature change at ovulation is very slight –usually only one degree.
Once a temperature spike occurs, this means you have ovulated within the past 24 hours. For family planning one should abstain from intercourse during this time period or use an alternative method of contraception. Because sperm can remain viable for 2-3 days, the unsafe period is usually 3 days before ovulation and 3 days after. This means that unprotected sexual intercourse should not be undertaken from the last menstrual period until the r3rd day after ovulation each month.
Thermometers which can measure basal body temperature are readily available and usually cost anywhere from $6-$10.
This crude method of birth control is widely used all over the world by women who do not want to take the pill and want to rely on natural method of protection. Measuring BBT is not foolproof and only works ¾ of the time. At least ¼ of the women who use this method still end up getting pregnant. The reason for such large error is because the BBT can be affected by the following:
- any illness or fever
- mental stress, anxiety
- poor and disorganized sleep patterns
- frequent use of tobacco
- use of alcohol
- use of a warming device at night or an electric blanket
While the BBT is natural and safe way for family planning, it does have a downside besides getting pregnant. It does not protect one against transmission of sexually transmitted disease.
BBT is not for everyone and should not be used without any experience. Before using BBT one must know hot to use a thermometer (which is relatively easy) and then get a baseline temperature for about 2-3 months. One should get in the habit of measuring the temperature every morning and recording it. In time, one can predict when ovulation is going to occur and when it is completed. If one cannot predict this, then BBT is not for you. The temperature change at ovulation is very slight –usually only one degree.
Once a temperature spike occurs, this means you have ovulated within the past 24 hours. For family planning one should abstain from intercourse during this time period or use an alternative method of contraception. Because sperm can remain viable for 2-3 days, the unsafe period is usually 3 days before ovulation and 3 days after. This means that unprotected sexual intercourse should not be undertaken from the last menstrual period until the r3rd day after ovulation each month.
Thermometers which can measure basal body temperature are readily available and usually cost anywhere from $6-$10.
Breast Self Examination Part 2
One always starts a breast self exam by looking at the breast in front of a mirror. Check the breast from all sides and look for changes in shape, size, puckering or dimpling. While inverted nipples are common, any new changes in the nipple should be investigated further. Look at the breast after raising your hands or placing your hands on the hips.
The actual manual part of the breast exam is best done when lying down. Some women may prefer to do the breast exam in the shower. This is made easier after application of a soap which makes it easier to glide the fingers. Always start in an organized fashion. One can start clockwise and go from inside to outside the breast. The breast should be pressed to ensure that there are no deep masses. While there are many ways to examine the breast, one should choose a method which is most comfortable. If any suspicious breast mass, redness, nipple discharge or nipple inversion is found, a visit to the physician is highly recommended.
Most cancer organizations recommend that women start to examine the breast after the age of 20. However, breast exam at this age is fraught with difficulties and can lead to a lot of unnecessary doctor visits. The reason is that the young breast is still growing and there are often lumps and bumps discovered. The majority of these are harmless. However, it is essential that one have a proper breast exam by a health care professional every 3 years until the age of 40. After the age of 40, the breast exams should be annual.
The breast is best examined about 5-7 days after the last day of your menstrual cycle. The breasts are least tender during this time period and much less swollen. During pregnancy the breasts do enlarge and may feel more uneven or lumpy. If there is any doubt about a breast exam during pregnancy, always get a health care professional to examine the breast for you.
Over the years there has been a lot of debate of breast self exams. The one major benefit of this exam is that the breast mass is detected at a much early stage and the chance of a cure are high. On the other hand, breast exams can also lead to anxiety and panic about masses and this often leads to more biopsies and tests. And in our health care system where we have to pay, this can also get to be somewhat expensive. One should not be fooled and believe that breast self exams are a replacement for the physician or a mammogram.
Breast self exam is a complimentary method of detecting breast cancer. And despite all efforts, breast self exams do miss a number of breast cancers. All women should make an effort to examine their breast. If you are lucky you will identify a cancer which is just beginning and be cured; if you do not examine your breast and a cancer occurs, the chance of cure are small. The choice is simple.
The actual manual part of the breast exam is best done when lying down. Some women may prefer to do the breast exam in the shower. This is made easier after application of a soap which makes it easier to glide the fingers. Always start in an organized fashion. One can start clockwise and go from inside to outside the breast. The breast should be pressed to ensure that there are no deep masses. While there are many ways to examine the breast, one should choose a method which is most comfortable. If any suspicious breast mass, redness, nipple discharge or nipple inversion is found, a visit to the physician is highly recommended.
Most cancer organizations recommend that women start to examine the breast after the age of 20. However, breast exam at this age is fraught with difficulties and can lead to a lot of unnecessary doctor visits. The reason is that the young breast is still growing and there are often lumps and bumps discovered. The majority of these are harmless. However, it is essential that one have a proper breast exam by a health care professional every 3 years until the age of 40. After the age of 40, the breast exams should be annual.
The breast is best examined about 5-7 days after the last day of your menstrual cycle. The breasts are least tender during this time period and much less swollen. During pregnancy the breasts do enlarge and may feel more uneven or lumpy. If there is any doubt about a breast exam during pregnancy, always get a health care professional to examine the breast for you.
Over the years there has been a lot of debate of breast self exams. The one major benefit of this exam is that the breast mass is detected at a much early stage and the chance of a cure are high. On the other hand, breast exams can also lead to anxiety and panic about masses and this often leads to more biopsies and tests. And in our health care system where we have to pay, this can also get to be somewhat expensive. One should not be fooled and believe that breast self exams are a replacement for the physician or a mammogram.
Breast self exam is a complimentary method of detecting breast cancer. And despite all efforts, breast self exams do miss a number of breast cancers. All women should make an effort to examine their breast. If you are lucky you will identify a cancer which is just beginning and be cured; if you do not examine your breast and a cancer occurs, the chance of cure are small. The choice is simple.
Breast Self Examination Part 1
Despite 30 years of solid research we are still far away from a cure for breast cancer. We do have a variety of newer treatments but none are curative. Now greater emphasis is being placed on prevention and screening for breast cancer. One of the best way to detect breast cancer early is to perform breast self exams. The sooner the breast cancer is detected, the greater is the chance of cure.
All women above the age of 20 should examine their breast. All women should have an idea what a normal breast feels like. Every woman should know the contour, shape, size and texture of their breast. This may take a few months but once this knowledge is acquired, any new changes in the breast can be easily detected.
One has to note that the breast does undergo changes as it grows and not every breast abnormality is a cancer. Even during the menstrual cycle the size of the breast may vary a little. Thus, it is essential to understand what the normal breast feels like. The majority of breast masses identified in young females are not cancerous. The few odd masses which are detected later in life are probably cancers just beginning to grow.
One should learn how to examine the breast from a physician or a nurse and then maintain a regular frequency. The first rule of the thumb is that the breast must be examined without any clothes. Wearing a bra and looking at the breast is meaningless.
All women above the age of 20 should examine their breast. All women should have an idea what a normal breast feels like. Every woman should know the contour, shape, size and texture of their breast. This may take a few months but once this knowledge is acquired, any new changes in the breast can be easily detected.
One has to note that the breast does undergo changes as it grows and not every breast abnormality is a cancer. Even during the menstrual cycle the size of the breast may vary a little. Thus, it is essential to understand what the normal breast feels like. The majority of breast masses identified in young females are not cancerous. The few odd masses which are detected later in life are probably cancers just beginning to grow.
One should learn how to examine the breast from a physician or a nurse and then maintain a regular frequency. The first rule of the thumb is that the breast must be examined without any clothes. Wearing a bra and looking at the breast is meaningless.
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