It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and if you haven't done so already, now is the time to concentrate on taking care of your breasts by getting them examined or getting a mammogram.

According to the Cancer Society, breast cancer is a malignant tumour that has developed from cells of the breast. The disease occurs mostly in women, but does occur rarely in men.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to diagnose breast disease, while a breast examination is an external test that is used to search for abnormalities in the breast.

Mammograms are recommended for women over age 40, but younger women can get one upon recommendation from a physician. These tests should be done at least once a month so that you can detect lumps or abnormalities that could signal breast cancer.

But you don't have to do breast exams yourself if you don't feel confident that you are doing it properly.

Dr Headley Rose, a general practitioner, whose office is on Holborn Road in Kingston, told Thursday Life that breast exams are normally done during a physical exam.

"Breast exams are normally done during a doctor's visit, especially if there is a family history of breast cancer," he explained.

At the same time, if you feel that you need a breast exam only, then you can request it from the doctor, but a consultancy fee is charged. This is similar to going to the doctor for a cold, which is referred to as a defined medical exam.

So what's the cost of breast care? Self-examinations aside, a defined medical exam from a private doctor can cost from $1,000 up, while at the Jamaica Cancer Society the cost is $200.

A mammogram/breast X-ray is a bit more expensive and can cost between $2,500 and $5,000 if you go to a private medical centre. The Jamaica Cancer Society charges $2,200 for a mammogram/breast X-ray.

Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as the most diagnosed form of cancer and is one of the leading causes of death among women second to heart disease.

Breast cancer primarily occurs in women, though men can also get breast cancer as they also have breast tissue - women, however, have more breast tissue than men. Last year Dr Trevor McCartney, consultant Surgeon and acting chief executive officer at the University Hospital of the West Indies, shared with Thursday Life that "there are 46 new cases per 100,000 persons who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Jamaica".

Male breast cancer makes up less than one per cent of all cases of breast cancer. It is usually detected in men between 60 and 70 years of age.

While there is no certain way to prevent breast cancer, there are ways to reduce the risk factors.

The American Cancer Society said some lifestyle factors may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. These include:

. Having no children

. Using oral contraceptives - depending on at what age and for how long they were taken

. Using post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

. Abuse of alcohol.

. Being obese and eating a high-fat diet.

. Getting inadequate physical activity.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being celebrated under the theme "The best protection is early detection".
Here are five basic steps to a breast self-exam, courtesy of Breastcancer.org:

1. Standing with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips, face a mirror.

2. Look for any differences in size, shape, colour, swelling or bulging of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any signs of redness or rash.

3. Raise your arms, and examine your breasts for any of those differences.

4. Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge.

5. Lie down, and feel each breast with the hand of the opposite arm. Feel all the tissue, applying pressure to check deep tissue for any lumps or abnormalities.

6. Examine the breasts while you are standing or sitting, gently examining the entire breast. You may want to try this method in the shower, while the skin is moist.

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