Editorial: Early detection: Your health lies in your hands

A recent study released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shows people living in economically distressed communities like Highbridge routinely run a higher risk of illness or death due to poor quality healthcare.

The community health report cards show how poverty and poor health go hand in hand.

It’s been found in several studies that medical treatment for people of color lags far behind that of their white counterparts. Lack of medical coverage and a tendency to not go to a doctor when illness occurs are the two main causes of this.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Diabetics do not have to get their foot amputated because of cuts or blisters that have gone unattended, due to lack of education about their illness and or bad healthcare.

Hypertension doesn’t have to be one of the leading causes of death for African-Americans. Medicine, the right low sodium diet and exercise are important to controlling and living with the illness.

And Breast Cancer doesn’t have to kill you. Each year 182,000 woman are diagnosed with the disease and a great deal of them die from it. Although there are many factors in developing breast cancer — a family history being one of them — early detection is the best way to help fight it.

There are varying treatments and steps to fighting breast cancer. Perhaps the most important one lies in your hands.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Horizon strongly urges every woman to help in the battle. No one knows your body better than you. A self-breast exam is extremely important.

Feel your breast for any abnormal lumps and configurations. Most doctors suggest standing in front of a mirror. With one hand raised, take the other and reach across. Using two fingers go in a circular motion over the breast. If you happen to feel or see something out of the ordinary—discoloration, nipple discharge lumps or scaling of skin — consult with your doctor.

The American Cancer Society suggests woman should start doing self-breast exams at age 20. Menstruating woman should perform the test 7 – 10 days after their period. Non-menstruating woman should do them on the first of the month.

Many times women tend to wait before going to a doctor for fear that their fears would be laughed at. You need to take the first step and then you and your doctor can take the rest.

Time is precious. Your delay can lead to complications. Remember, early detection is the best protection.

For more information about breast cancer and other exams such as mammograms, speak with your doctor. Or research on the web at www.cancer.org or www.thebreastcancersite.com.