Jamaicans urged to self-examine regularly for breast cancer

 

There are renewed calls for Jamaicans, especially women, to carry out frequent self-examinations for breast cancer. 

 

October is being celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

 

Dr. Kamoy Brown says both men and women can be affected by the disease. 

 

He says screening is important to detect the disease at an early stage. 

 

"You need to look at your breast. Check for changes in size, check for discharge, check for change in colour, skin changes, check for the nipple, if it is turning inside or inverted, as we'd call it. You must also feel, you should do self-examination; for females, it is recommended 3-5 days after their period, if they are still seeing their period [and] if they are menopausal, at the same time every month. Screening, in simple terms. Screening is simple; just checking up. Many structures are in place, from the Jamaica Cancer Society. There are many movements and groups that offer free mammograms," he explained.