According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, every 68 seconds, a woman dies from breast cancer. While breast cancer can affect males as well, it is much more prevalent among the female population. Regular screening and early detection are key in preventing deaths from breast cancer. Educating the population on the warning signs and conduct a self breast exam is our best defense against this potentially deadly cancer.
Instructions
Educate Students about Breast Cancer
1. Tailor the information to the age of the audience. For high school aged students and older, medical information about signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of monthly self examinations should be included. For younger audiences, explain what breast cancer is and relate the fact that nearly every person knows someone who has suffered from breast cancer.
2. Order educational materials from Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Materials can be purchased from the website in different languages, aimed at different ethnic groups and different age groups. If money is not available to purchase these materials, the educational resources can be downloaded from the website at no charge. These resources should be given to the students for further reading and to be shared with other family members and friends.
3. Educate students to the importance of self breast exams. A self breast examination should be done monthly, at the same time each month, to ensure any changes are more easily detectable. Show students with a breast model conduct a self breast exam. Breast models that contain both small and large lumps can also be helpful in showing students what they are feeling for as far as lumps. It is important to further educate students that lumps are not the only sign of breast cancer. Any changes in the size, shape, coloring, or composition of the breast can also be warning signs and should be checked by a physician.
4. Provide students with the knowledge about current recommended standards for clinical examinations. A clinical breast exam by a physician should begin for all women at the age of 20. Most doctors recommend this be done on an annual basis with the annual physical. At age 40 and beyond, a mammogram should be performed to check for changes that cannot be seen or felt. Depending on the woman's family history and other genetic factors, screenings may be recommended at earlier ages.
Tags: self breast, breast cancer, breast cancer, breast exam, from breast, from breast cancer
