Dr. Ravindra

Breast examination is a way of detecting early changes that help in detecting lumps or other growth in the breast. This is a manual form of examination that may be carried out by the doctor or even by the patient. This kind of examination helps in detecting the onset of breast cancer and helps in successful treatment of the same. It is an essential screening strategy that all women must go through. Let us cast a glance on the various details regarding this examination, and also how frequently it must be conducted.

1. Age: Women who have reached the age of 18 are said to have matured physically and sexually. They should perform this examination once they have reached the said age in order to detect any anomalies in the way the physical changes occur in the breast tissue.
2. Procedure: One should begin by looking at one's reflection in the mirror to find any rashes or dimpling in the breasts. The shape, size and colour of the breasts and nipples must also be studied so as to check for any anomalies. Inverted nipples, redness and soreness must also be reported to the doctor. Once you are done checking the visuals, you can raise your arms and look for any changes. Then, you will need to lie down and feel your breasts by using a circular motion. The finger pads must be used in order to check for any lumps. One must start from the centre and move the breasts sideways. Any wet and slippery feeling must be reported to the doctor immediately.
3. Pressure: During the breast examination, you must use light pressure for the skin and tissue that lie beneath the breasts, while medium to moderate pressure should be used for the middle portion of the breasts. One must use a firm hand to check the tissue that lies at the back of the breasts, near the rib cage. 
4. Frequency: One must get into the habit of conducting a breast examination at least once a fortnight or once a month, without fail. You can also go to the gynaecologist for an examination in case you are not confident of conducting it on your own with proper movements and accuracy. You may also journalise your breast examination findings.
5. Menstrual Cycles: When you are going through your menstrual cycle or period, it is important to remember that your breasts can become tender just before or after the start of the cycle. So, do not panic if you think you have found a lump or any other growth at this time. It is best to check again after a week and then visit the doctor about checking the same.

Cancer is probably the most dreaded diseases of all. Blood cancer is a common type of cancer and affects not only the blood cells but can also affect other aspects of the body’s circulatory system such as the lymphatic system and the bone marrow as well.

There are three main types of blood cancer. These are:
Leukemia
This type of cancer originates in the blood cells and affects the circulatory system’s ability to produce red blood cells. It can also affect the bone marrow. Leukemia can also be categorized as acute or chronic. In cases of acute blood cancer, the patient may not exhibit any symptoms but in the case of chronic blood cancer, the symptoms may develop quite aggressively. These symptoms include:

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Anemia
3. Shortness of breath
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Pain in the joints
6. Skin rashes
7. Frequent infections
8. Fever
9. Headaches
10. Excessive sweating
11. Swollen lymph nodes

Lymphoma
This type of cancer affects the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that help the body fight infections. Lymphoma can be further categorized as Hodgkin Lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with the former being characterized by the presence of B lymphocytes or the Reed-Sternberg cell.
Swollen lymph nodes are the primary symptoms of Lymphoma. This swelling is usually painless and may be accompanied by loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, night sweats and sudden cold bouts.

Myeloma
This type of cancer originates in the plasma cells. This is yet another type of white blood cells. Myeloma symptoms develop as the disease progresses. In its initial stages, there may be no visible symptoms. With time, patients will begin to notice tiredness, backaches, increased vulnerability to infections, shortness of breath, chest pain and kidney trouble.

Blood cancer treatment varies from person to person. The ideal treatment plan depends on a number of factors including the type of cancer, the stage it has been diagnosed at, the patient’s age and the speed at which the cancer is spreading.

Some of the most preferred forms of treatment for blood cancer are:

1. Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to restrict the growth of cancer cells in the body. This may often be combined with stem cell transplants.
2. Stem cell transplant: This is a procedure that infuses healthy stem cells into the body. Stem cells have the ability to transform themselves into any type of cells and hence aid in producing new, healthy blood cells. Stem cells can be harvested from the patient’s bone marrow, blood or umbilical cord.
3. Radiation: Radiation is used to kill cancerous cells and relieve pain. It may also be used along with stem cell transplants.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!