How disturbing can it be for a woman to discover one day that she has a lump on her breast? This can bring out different reactions and probably unnecessary emotional strain. Even before proper laboratory tests, a woman with a lump on the breast may already entertain the frightening thoughts of having breast cancer. The prospect of having this distressing disease can render a person emotional and physical stress. She may not be able to rest and sleep well at night thinking about her condition. What if the lump is cancerous? How will she be able to cope with her situation? Will she be financially capable to pay for the required medications? What if she needs to undergo mastectomy? How will this affect her sexual life? Will this make her less of a woman? These are just very few of the endless questions women with probable breast cancer are asking.

Before throwing yourself into unnecessary mental and emotional distress, be sure to undergo viable screening tests to detect and confirm the development of breast cancer. As with any other diseases, early detection calls for a higher cure rate. There are several screening tests that can be done to detect breast cancer. These include self-breast exam, professional breast exam and mammogram.

Self-breast exam is the easiest test and everyone can do it regularly in the privacy of her own room. However, no matter how easy and manageable this test is for everyone, many women do not prefer to perform the test. The fear of finding out the presence of a lump is the most glaring reason for not practicing this essential breast cancer test. Women should understand that not all lumps are cancerous. Finding a lump in your breast doesn’t necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. This will necessitate further laboratory tests to confirm the presence of any cancerous cells. Even if the lump is cancerous, early detection will provide you higher chances of surviving the disease.

Most doctors routinely do professional breast exam during a woman’s general physical or pelvic exam. Aside from checking the breast for lumps using their fingertips, doctors will also look for any noticeable difference or changes in a woman’s breast. These include dimpling, scaling and puckered appearance of the breast skin. Furthermore, the doctor will look for any fluid leaking from the nipple.

Mammogram is the most effective method to detect breast cancer. Mammography is a low-dose breast X-ray. The smallest lump can be detected by mammogram. However, this test is not also perfect. In some cases, a lump discovered by tactile exam may not appear on a mammogram. Mammograms can also show abnormal results even when there is no cancer present. These types of test anomalies usually occur in one out of 100 mammograms.

Finally, mammogram together with a professional breast exam constitutes the most effective way to detect cancer in its earliest stages. Self-breast exam on the other hand is a good practice. This will help you check your breast regularly for any developing lumps. Any lumps discovered should need further investigation by a competent medical practitioner.

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Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

What can we do after walking and raising awareness for Breast Cancer? Promote exercise everywhere you go and with everyone you meet, especially among Breast Cancer survivors. Did you know even Breast Cancer survivors benefit from exercise?

October was Breast Cancer awareness month and Physical Therapy awareness month. What better way to celebrate and raise awareness by continuing to give the gift of fitness to survivors by working with one group of professionals best trained to work with them, physical therapists, and by encouraging everyone you love to make fitness a regular part of their daily lives.

Everyone knows of someone affected by Breast cancer. Over 271,420 new cases of Breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in 2005. Breast cancer survivors have very special needs requiring a skilled professional at least until they reach a maintenance phase in exercise programming.

Once their physician provides a medical clearance exercise a woman can begin exercising. Exercise programs provide flexibility exercises for the affected arm and improve postural alignment and awareness after surgery.

Some of the exercise benefits of participating in a regular exercise program for Breast Cancer survivors are:
- increased quality of life
- increased mood
- increased strength and endurance
- prevention of complications after surgery and treatment

Exercise helps to battle the side effects of treatment and aid in Breast Cancer recovery. Additional benefits of exercise include improvements in function and pain perception and all psychological areas according to the latest research. Exercise will help with daily activities and prevent further weakness and musculoskeletal problems.

Once full range of motion or mobility are restored strength training for the affected arm can begin. While working towards full range of motion, continue strengthening those body parts that are not affected. You'll need the strength in the rest of your body to be functional and efficient with your daily activities. Some women on hormonal therapy are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Weightbearing exercise can help offset any possible fractures.

Physical activity is still possible even with lymphedema, a chronic swelling of the affected arm when lymphatic fluid collects and is unable to drain properly. Close supervision by a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist is a good idea to receive proper guidance for exercise selection and instruction. Not only can strengthening occur but the therapist can assist in developing alternate routes for lymphatic fluid drainage to prevent the likelihood of developing lymph edema. Therapists can also show you how to monitor your arm if you are prone to developing lymphedema. The risk of lymphedema is also decreased by participation in a supervised exercise program. Physical therapists are well trained and qualified to provide evidence-based, supervised and individualized exercise programs for willing survivors. An integrative and complete exercise program will focus on strength and flexibility of the shoulder, arm, back and hand in addition to posture, aerobic endurance, lower body training and stress reduction.

Exercises for core strengthening and stabilization are another way to improve function and strength. Proper postural retraining is very important as changes tend to occur following surgery which if left unaddressed can lead to the development of other problems.

Deep breathing techniques will assist with controlling and returning lymphatic fluid back to the heart By practicing deep and efficient breathing techniques, postural alignment will be improved and stress can be reduced.

Flexibility exercises will increase range of motion where limitations exist not only in the upper body but in the back as well. A flexibility program will also address any scar tissue that may have developed following surgery.

If exhaustion and fatigue are a factor, participating in appropriate exercises throughout the course of the day as opposed to a continuous exercise session may be more tolerable. Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise will boost your endurance. Try something simple and safe initially like walking.

Learn how to use and incorporate the use of your affected arm in your daily activities. This is a great way to functionally work on flexibility and strength.

Remember we can all do something active and encourage those around us to do the same. Exercise is an inclusive activity that we all can benefit from with proper guidance. So don't wait for a special month or a problem to enlist the help of a physical therapist. Partner up and start moving today to feel your power - all year long!

Trish Muse is a physical therapist, veteran pharmaceutical representative and published author. Frequently featured in Essence, Heart and Soul, Self and Health magazines as well as several others as a fitness consultant, Trish provides continuing education internationally for fitness professionals and physical therapists. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. As the owner of Body Productions, Inc. she is a popular National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, respected American College of Sports Medicine certified Health Fitness Instructor and Wellcoaches licensed Wellness Coach in the Washington DC area. She is a Polestar certified Pilates practitioner and East Coast Fitness Ambassador for Doce Vida Designs. Trish is the star and creator of the popular exercise videos, Ab Attack, Body Management and The Workstation Workout and star and co-producer of the functional fitness video Rock, Roll and Reggae.

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