Maryam al-Sadat Marashi - Midwifery expert at Khatam-al-Anbia Hospital (pbuh)

Breasts have lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Cancerous cells, if released, are usually found in these lymph nodes.The main cause of this illness is unknown. But factors such as race, obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, age, family history, gene changes do not affect its incidence. Breast inflammation, breast asymmetry, stretch of the breast skin into the inside, deformation of the nipple, changes in breast color to redness and discharge from duct of a breast are very important to us and have to be investigated. Monthly examinations in 5-7 days of menstrual cycle by a woman, especially those with a hereditary history in this area, have a significant effect on early detection and prevention of the disease in women. In pregnant women, a precise periodic examination by the midwife and training women to differentiate the mammary glands from the cancerous glands is very effective. The least benefits of these actions are the identification of small tumors which can be treated with brief surgical proceedings. More than 65% of the breast tumors are discovered by patients themselves.Breast self-examination can be done in two ways. In the first method, in front of the mirror, the breasts should be examined in terms of symmetry and the adhesion of the breast after raising the hands has to be paid attention. In the second method, while bathing, breasts should be examined to be same in size and weight and nipples should be checked for no bloody discharge.If needed, the sonography is used for better diagnosis of the disease. When a tumor is observed, it is usually biopsied. Surgery is usually the first method of treating breast cancer. Even if all visible cancerous tissue is removed during surgery, the patient may undergo radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy after surgery to eliminate remaining cancerous cells.It is interesting to note that after breast cancer treatment and discontinuation of medications, gestation and breastfeeding is possible even in the affected breast, but since the most likely recurrence of breast cancer is two to three years after treatment, it is advisable to delay pregnancy

Cancer, Breast Cancer, Pregnancy and Breast Cancer, Breast Examination