The Five Steps Of Conducting A Self-Exam
Get Involved In The Community
Pakistan , in comparison to most developed countries , has little coverage and campaigning going on regarding breast cancer .
PARENTING
The Five Steps Of Conducting A Self-Exam
1 . With your shoulders straight and arms on your hips , examine your chest in the mirror for a change in size , shape or colour , especially keeping an eye out for common signs and symptoms .
2 . Raise your arms straight up and inspect along the same parameters .
3 . Ensure that no fluid came out from one or both nipples during Steps 1 and 2 .
4 . Lie down with your right arm behind your head , and then use your left hand to feel your right breast . Use a firm touch with the first few finger pads ( keep them flat and together ), moving in a circular motion starting in the middle , and covering your entire breast from collarbone to abdomen and armpit to cleavage . Then repeat for your other side .
5 . Follow Step 4 ’ s patterns while standing or sitting . If you notice any change or irregularity , please seek medical attention .
There are men and women who feel shy , even ashamed , and put off getting a consult ; this is wrong . Your health far surpasses your comfort level , and in the end you are better off for setting an appointment with your doctor .
Get Involved In The Community
Pakistan , in comparison to most developed countries , has little coverage and campaigning going on regarding breast cancer .
In fact , Pakistan still has no national cancer registry in spite of increasing reports of the disease in young girls , said Omer Aftab , founder and CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan the only volunteerdriven campaign of its kind , in Pakistan , dedicated to working on the issue of breast cancer by raising awareness and funds to battle the rising statistics .
“ 70 per cent of breast cancer patients are already at Stage III by the time they reach out for medical support ,” Aftab added .
Launched in 2004 , Pink Ribbon runs a number of programmes nationwide – youth awareness , community outreach , advisory services , and national screening as well as offering a Nutritional and Physical Activity ( NUPA ) guide , in an effort to raise awareness and remove any stigma associated with breast cancer that stops patients from seeking help .
“ Despite the fact that breast cancer is still a sensitive topic in Pakistan , we have self-sustained this initiative only on public philanthropy without any donor funding .
“ And while we have made serious strides in establishing the issue in mainstream media , our real achievement is the 30 per cent increase in patient turn--up at breast clinics nationwide since the inception of this campaign ,” said Aftab .
Currently , the organisation is in the process of setting up Pakistan ’ s first dedicated breast cancer hospital .
“ It will be provide free-of-cost diagnostic services to all women along with relevant treatments – all under one roof ,” said Aftab .
You can help out in many ways , by volunteering or donating . For more information , visit pinkribbon . org . pk
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