Know Yourself
Knowing Yourself
October, being the Month of Breast Cancer Awareness, as well as, Domestic Violence Awareness, is quite melancholy. I was thinking about why the month is so critical, and it spoke out of the silent cry. Each cause is pivotal to the survival of people. I know we think of women, but we must realize that this subject matter touches us all. Male and female alike are being affected by cancer. Therefore, it is critical for us to know ourselves. We must not be afraid to share our stories and reach out to those whom we love. There are signs for each and I have listed some key elements:
Breast Cancer Symptoms:
A change in how the breast or nipple feels
- Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
- A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast (some describe this as similar to an orange peel’s texture)
- A lump in the breast (It’s important to remember that all lumps should be investigated by a healthcare professional, but not all lumps are cancerous.)
A change in the breast or nipple appearance
- Any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling anywhere on the breast
- Unexplained swelling of the breast (especially if on one side only)
- Unexplained shrinkage of the breast (especially if on one side only)
- Recent asymmetry of the breasts (Although it is common for women to have one breast that is slightly larger than the other, if the onset of asymmetry is recent, it should be checked.)
- Nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted
- Skin of the breast, areola, or nipple that becomes scaly, red, or swollen or may have ridges or pitting resembling the skin of an orange
Any nipple discharge—particularly clear discharge or bloody discharge.
Domestic Violence Symptoms: Some signs of domestic violence and abuse are more serious than others, but most signal a problem.
Does your partner ever…
1. Try to control what you do and who you see?
2. Isolate you?
3. Control your access to money?
4. Make you feel worthless?
5. Stalk you, including calling you constantly or following you?
6. Accuse you of being disloyal?
7. Intimidate and threaten to hurt you or someone you love?
8. Pressure or force you to do things you are uncomfortable with?
9. Hurt you by hitting, choking or kicking?
10. Threaten to hurt themselves if they don’t get what they want?
We are encouraged to speak out. Have questions? Call (800) 515-1214 to speak to a cancer information specialist; the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or at TTY 1-800-787-3224