BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Breast Cancer Self examination

Do they teach self examination of breasts to girls in the schools in the west? I intend to write to some cancer patients groups to begin this in India. if anybody can tell me, i will be obliged.

No.
First of all, there would be little medical point.
Girl at school don't need to examine their breasts, as Cancer of the breast is probably unheard of in girls of that age.
Secondly, this is something advised and taught by the relevant medical body, clinic or specialist, to a woman approaching middle age. It's something a woman learns through other means, not through an education body. never at such a young age.

Do you not think that girls can save themselves from breast cancer if awareness is there from an early age? they learn all of sexual diseases etc. at a very young age.

Are you against the idea even if the lecture is conducted by a medical professional? I am looking at India and I know of many women who pass school and then never get a chance to learn anything in life. India is sadly divided in two sections. One very rich and rich and second poor and very poor. i was thinking of giving this info. to the second group in school itself so that even if they get no opportunity to learn much after schooling, they would be at least aware of the threat.

Certainly early education would help, but there is an unfortunate and marked division between the general, national quality of life here in the UK, and the one you describe in India....The social structure is far less divided and marked here, and there is no class - or even caste - system... By and large Health care is available to everyone, and although some treatments can be costly, in most cases help is available.
Due to the far greater division, as you describe it - even if a member of the poorer society were to be ill, and be diagnosed with breast cancer - could they find tretment? And afford it?

If they know that they have a serious problem, they can very easily get free treatment. but they must approach at an early stage of cancer. Most of them go when the cancer has already spread.

Even gates foundation is devising unique ideas to help fight AIDs in India. that was the reason of my post about prostitutes. Prostitutes are the main cause of spread of AIDS in India. But common people who can help them shy away. That is one reason for rampant spread of AIDs in India. Thanks for your reply.

I live in Ontario, Canada and they do teach self exams here to the girls in sex education here in grade 7 & 8 and i think its great. I have breast cancer and i was diagnosed last year at the age of 33. I believe that as soon as we get breasts we should get to know them that way if there is ANY difference we will know as soon as we can. If they can teach sex education to them they can do the breast exams as well.I think the whole world should do this as well. Thanks and Take Care. (L)

I have read that it is recommended to start at age 20 with self-examination. My sister found a lump at age 16. It was not cancer but was removed. She has not had any problem since. It seems we are afraid to tell our children about things that are bad. I agree that self-examination should be part of "Family Life", "Sex Ed", "Healthy Living" or what ever PC title we are giving the class these days. The sooner you know what it should feel like, you will be able to tell when it doesn't feel right.

socalnascargal

I agree with you.
It should be taught.