User:Chstine namulindwa

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY CANCER PROGRAM (CCCP)

BREAST CANCER IN UGANDA

Breast Cancer is the third commonest cancer in Uganda after Kaposi’s sarcoma and cancer of the cervix. Women of African origin are more likely to suffer from breast cancer than others. In Uganda, 36 women out of 100,000 suffer from breast cancer.

See your doctor or Nurse if you notice any of these things in your breast: •	Lump, hard knot or thickening. •	Swelling, warmth, Redness or darkening. •	Change in the size or shape. •	Dimpling or hardening of the skin. •	Itchy, Scaly sore or rash on the Nipple. •	Pulling in of your nipple or other Parts. •	Nipple discharge that starts suddenly. •	New pain in one spot that does not go away.

To reduce on the number of new breast cancer cases in the country, every woman should screen for breast cancer, either by self or by a trained health worker anywhere in the country. HOW? •	Breast SELF EXAMS every month starting at age of 20yrs a week after the monthly period. •	Clinical Breast Exam (by health worker) at least every 3yrs starting at age 20, and every year after 40. •	Mammograms every year starting at 40. NB Very important for women with a family history of breast cancer. TALK with your health provider.

For more information about breast health or any Cancer, please visit the Uganda Cancer Institute, Old Mulago Hill or call on Tel: +256 414 540 410

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY CANCER PROGRAM (CCCP)

Steps to Breast Self- Examination Just as your period ends (or at the same time month if you do not have periods), check for any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts. Report any changes to your doctor or Nurse. Go for regular breast exams and ask about a mammogram.

Step 1: INFRONT OF THE MIRROR Look for any changes from the Normal. Inspect your breasts in four (4) steps. •	Hold hands at your side. •	Hold hands over your Head. •	Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles. •	Bend forward with your hands on your hips.

STEP 2: LYING DOWN •	Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. •	Use the pads of the three Middle Fingers on your left hand to check your right breast. •	Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin. •	Follow an up an down pattern. •	Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit. •	Repeat on your left breast using your right hand. NB: These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.