BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SEMINAR Samahan ng Unang Ginang ng Guiguinto, Bulacan in coordination with Gift 2 life Inc. conducted a seminar on breast cancer awareness last April 12,2008 at Guiguinto District Hospital. During the seminar, participants were urged to: Be aware. Be informed. Keep abreast. According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia. The seminar stressed that early detection is the best cure for breast cancer. Women, as early as age 20, should conduct breast self-examination once a month.     Unusual lumps, visible change in breast and nipple appearance and bloody or clear discharge from the nipple are some indications of breast cancer. Women are also encouraged to visit the doctor for clinical breast examination from every six months to three years. FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER RISK FACTORS. Breast cancer is curable if detected and treated early. Anything that increases your chance of getting breast cancer is called a risk factor. Consult your doctor if you are at risk for breast cancer:. Older age (more than 50 years old) First-degree relative with breast cancer (mother/sister/daughter) especially if: Early onset (diagnosed before 30 years old) Bilateral (both sides) Multiple first-degree affected members Hereditary breast cancer (BRCA 1/BRCA2 mutations) Personal history of breast cancer risk for the other breast History of exposure to ionizing radiation (like cobalt) during childhood Older age at first pregnancy (beyond 30 years old) or never given birth Early onset of menstruation (before 10 years old) Late menopause (beyond 50 years old) Postmenopausal obesity Guidelines for early detection Take monthly breast self-examination (BSE) seriously. BSE is breast self-awareness. Starting at age 20, it is advisable to perform BSE on day seven to 10, starting from the first day of menstruation. Menopausal women should do it one day a month. Women with breast implants, are pregnant or breast-feeding should, also perform BSE. Perform a proper BSE. Lie down flat. Place pillow under right shoulder. Place right arm behind head. Use the three fingertips of left hand to feel for mass on right breast. Press firmly to know how your breast feels. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure how hard to press. Move your fingers around the breast in a circular, up-and-down line, or wedge pattern. Do it the same way every time. Check the entire breast area up to the armpit. Remember how your breast feels from month to month. Repeat process on your left breast. Seek clinical breast exam (CBE) periodically. CBE is done by a doctor and should be part of a periodic health exam. For non-high risk women: 20-30 years old: every three years 40 years old: every year For high risk women: 20-35 years old: every six to 12 months 35 years old and above: every three to six months, or as advised by doctor Submit yourself to screening mammography. For non-high risk women: 50 years old: every year For high risk women: Baseline mammogram at age 35, then every one to two years thereafter