Q: Do self-examinations and screenings for breast cancer make a difference?

The answer is an emphatic ‘yes’, and the difference could be the one between life and death. It is paramount that breast cancer is detected at the earliest because treatment options in the early stages are likely to be more moderate. It has been proven that self-exams can show pre-cancer possibilities, and let you get to the physician before any harm is done. Our body gives us clues to what is going on, if only we listen. Many women, however, have no symptoms. This is why regular clinical breast cancer screening and regular mammograms are so important.

Being proactive about one’s health, breast cancer education and awareness, and early detection have the potential to increase survival rates up to 98 per cent.