The GP or gynaecologist can check for changes and abnormalities in the breasts by performing a clinical breast exam. In this case it is highly recommended for women to have an annual check up and, if any abnormalities during self-examination are noticed, then this should be immediately referred to the doctor.

Images of the breast, i.e. mammograms, are taken to help detect abnormalities or lumps that may indicate early stages of breast cancer. Mammography is an x-ray image of the breast, which is developed into printed images that allow the radiologist to examine them for any abnormality.

Most women must have heard a friend or one of the ladies at the hairdresser say that having a mammogram hurts. Yes, it can be uncomfortable, but it all boils down to just a few seconds of pressure.

These are a few tips to follow when you schedule your mammogram appointment: on the day of your mammogram, do not wear deodorant or talcum powder under your arms because some ingredients used in deodorant can be misinterpreted in the images. Also, wear a two-piece outfit because you will need to undress from the waist up for your exam.

Most of all, try to schedule your mammogram for shortly after the end of your period. Many women experience discomfort in the week prior to their period; having your breasts compressed during this time could increase that discomfort.

A mammogram is performed by having the breast positioned between rigid plates to reduce the radiation dose and eliminate motion so the radiologist can obtain a clear image. Nowadays advances in technology have made mammograms more comfortable, use less radiation and take less time.

Usually it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to have the images taken; you will have to wait for another five to 10 minutes in the exam room while the radiographer develops the x-ray film in a darkroom to ensure that the pictures are clear and do not need to be retaken.

It is normal procedure to take two images of each breast. However depending on the size and density of the breast, or if the radiologist has a concern about a certain area, some women may need more. The radiologist may then advise you to follow up the mammography with a breast ultrasound.

Most women are quite concerned about the amount of radiation received from mammography but the level of radiation used during a mammogram is very low and as such it is very safe.

In some circumstances, these diagnostic tests may indicate the need for a biopsy to determine whether the abnormality is cancerous or not. A biopsy is the removal of a very small sample of tissue, either by a small syringe or an ultrasound-guided needle. It is important to know that most biopsy results show no evidence of cancer.

Many a time we hear that prevention is better than cure but how can you prevent something like breast cancer when the cause is still unknown? One can only help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by making some daily lifestyle choices to avoid them.

These may include decreasing your daily fat intake, especially saturated fats. Eat leaner meats and limit red meat. Reducing your fat intake helps prevent other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, and may reduce your chance of developing breast or colon cancers.

Increase fibre in your diet and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to their fibre content, fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties and micronutrients that may help prevent some

cancers.

Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day and stop smoking. Although smoking does not cause breast cancer, it can increase the chance of blood clots, heart disease, and other cancers that may spread to the breast.

Breast cancer continues to cast its troubling shadow on so many of our families, touching our mothers and daughters, our sisters, friends, teachers and workmates. Unfortunately, fears of discovering the disease or lack of information is keeping many women from taking advantage of mammography screening at regular intervals – once is not enough.

Mammography screening is the best available method for detecting breast cancer in its early stages where it significantly improves a woman’s chances for proper treatment and full recovery.

The first part of this article was published on 1 September