Women are endowed with the blessing of motherhood. The purest form of relationship exists between a child and a mother. It is not just 9-months of nurturing inside the womb that makes it so special, rather there are plenty of reasons that make this bond unbreakable. But sometimes “duty-calls” can be an obstacle to this link. This is especially true for busy nurses.
As a nurse on the frontlines of the pandemic and treating patients in all phases of their wellbeing it can be daunting. We not only life savers we can also in some case we are also “life-givers”. We treat patients when they are at their lowest physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, all of this comes at the cost of a compromised personal life and the physical health of the caregiver.
So, If you are a busy nurse mom who is worried about your breast health, then keep reading!
How To Take Care Of Your Breast Health?
You might not be surprised to know that nurses are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. According to a 2017 study, nurses who take long-term rotating night shifts at work have a high chance of developing breast cancer. This is especially true for nurses taking up the hectic ordeal in young adulthood.
So, how to keep breast cancer at bay?
Breastfeeding
This might be the most difficult task for a busy nurse to do. I was able to breastfeed my son’s while on maternity leave, but when I returned to work I needed to devise a plan to give them breast milk while at work. I It is not easy for everyone to do when the shifts are so long. I worked nights 7PM-8AM and was able to pump on my breaks. Doing long night shifts at the hospital means many nurses are not able to breast feed their baby. Despite all this, you should try to feed the child as much breastmilk as you can for the greater good of both. Studies find breastfeeding to be an integral protective factor against breast cancer.
A systematic review claims that breastfeeding is directly linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. The act of breastfeeding is inversely associated with hormone receptor-negative breast cancers (a type of breast cancer).
Breast Cancer Screening
It is almost impossible for a busy nurse mom to breastfeed. For such ladies, it is imperative that they regularly undergo breast cancer screening. Young women should get breast cancer screening done if there is a history of cancer in the family.
It includes a series of tests and images including:
Breast Self-Awareness
If you notice any physical change in shape, size of your breast or find any lumpy, painful site, then you should carry out a breast self-exam. You are the best judge. Therefore, you must visit the doctor to find any abnormality.
Clinical Breast Exam
It is carried out by a doctor or another nurse who might help check any lump or form changes in the breast.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a breast X-ray. This is an effective way of detecting early cancer. As per a meta-analysis, a 3D mammogram is pretty effective in detecting cancer with a low chance of false overdiagnosis.
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
A breast MRI may also be used to check for any underlying carcinomatous tissue in the breast.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is an impressive way to prevent breast cancer. I believe it is essential to still get screened for breast cancer regularly even if you had the opportunity to breastfeed. A mammogram, breast self-exam, or breast MRI can be used to detect any early changes in breast tissue.
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