You can reach optimum health fitness with a body massage in London

There is nothing worse than getting in from the gym and feeling strained and tight. You wake up the next morning and even walking seems to be a struggle. You convince yourself it is because you have worked too hard and need a break. But, it happens again, and again, and again. The truth is you probably need some body massage therapy. You need to look after your body and this does not only involve working out and being fit. You also need to ensure your body cools down and your muscles relax. Whether you are an athlete or simply exercise regularly, this is a concept that applies to all.

There are many benefits linked with booking in a body massage in London. In fact you should try and do this on a regular occasion. One of the main advantages related to body massage therapy is the relief of any pain or stiffness. It is not unusual to feel stiff after a workout. A full body massage can help your body feel relaxed and at ease. Furthermore, a massage can help to eradicate any pain being experienced. From pulling a muscle to a more serious injury a massage is always a recommended part of the recovery process.

In addition to this, a massage is recommended in order to increase an individual's blood circulation. This is crucial because it ensures that all of the necessary nutrients and oxygen reach the organs and tissues. This is imperative for your body internally. After all, if your blood circulation is weak then you can suffer from high blood pressure. This can seriously damage your wellbeing and affect your level of fitness. Furthermore, increasing the blood circulation helps individuals to recover better from any injuries they may be experiencing as well. This is because the nutrients target the muscles and help them to rebuild themselves.

Another reward connected with massage therapy is the fact that it helps individuals to sleep better. There are many studies that have proved this point true and they have concluded that this is the case because the therapy affects the delta waves. Delta waves are the brain waves that are connected to an individual's deep sleep. As everyone knows, if you don't have a good night's sleep then you can end up feeling grotty and out of sorts in the morning. Exercising whilst being tired is not recommended because your body will not be able to adjust properly. You then increase the potential for stiffness and pain.

Apart from the points already stated, massage therapy is valuable because it helps individuals to constantly improve their level of fitness. A massage will help you to be able to develop your level of muscle flexibility and potential for more motion. The more you engage in this massage therapy the better your performance will be. If you continue this circle of exercise and massage you will be able to achieve your optimum level of health and fitness.

If you partake in regular exercise and are concerned about your health and fitness levels then it is essential you couple your excursions with body massage treatment. This will ensure you repair quickly from injuries, aid proper blood circulation, eradicate any stiffness or pain, get a better night's sleep and continue to improve your fitness levels.

Author bio: Maria is a freelance health instructor. She used Central Health to discover more about body massage in London. Thus, if you want to find out more you should visit this page.

Health Benefits from Hot Tub

Hot tubs are used for both pleasures as well as hydrotherapy purposes. They have shown positive results in the treatment for various chronic diseases like body aches, diabetes, etc. As a result, this is gradually becoming a popular means of therapy. Hot tubs are generally kept outdoors and the principles of sanitation used in swimming pools are used here also.

Stress relief

Most people these days suffer from a lot of stress and anxiety. Various factors including office pressure, academics, family life, etc. are the major reasons for the rampant stress and stress related disorders afflicting modern society. Insomnia is a direct effect of stress. Hot tubs can be effective in relieving stress and tension. The massaging jets are so relaxing that one can fall asleep quite soon. Reports suggest that relaxing in hot tubs for 15 minutes every night can improve sleep.

Muscle relaxation

Hydrotherapy can be useful for treating stressed muscles and nerves. In fact, the hot tub jets massage the body and relieve it from pressure. Because of the property of buoyancy, a relaxing time spent in a hot tub can make one feel much lighter and as a result, the joints are relieved of pain. Arthritis has a potential cure in hydrotherapy because of the reduction in muscle stiffness.

Blood circulation

Bathing in hot tubs can have enormous benefits in improving blood circulation. The high temperature in these tubs is important in opening the blood vessels. This process of vasodilation helps to decrease the blood pressure. Because of the dilated blood vessels, there is an ease of blood flow. This helps to stimulate the nerves of the circulatory system. This acts as a boost to the immune system of the body. However, patients suffering from blood pressure need to consult their doctors before taking to hydrotherapy. Also, alcohol needs to be avoided while switching from hot to cold water.

Help in Diabetes

Recent research has shown bathing in hot tubs can be very useful for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Soaking in the hot water for almost 30 minutes a day can be effective in losing weight, reducing blood sugar, and improving sleep cycle in people. For those who are unable to exercise regularly, hot water therapy seems to be a viable alternative. However, diabetic patients need to be cautious while undergoing therapy. As the drop in blood sugar is not clearly visible once inside the water, they must be careful while coming out of the tub. Also, the temperature needs to be controlled so that they do not get burns due to damaged nerves.

Hot tubs have a lot of health benefits. It is because of these benefits that many people are switching to this therapy for alleviating body pains and discomfort.

About the author

Grace Beckett is a blogging enthusiast and likes to write about health and lifestyle. For more information on custom pools Toronto, Ontario, Canada contact a swimming pool specialist at Bonavista Pools.

Getting Help for Adult ADHD

You struggle with organizing your life. It seems hard to focus on information. You're constantly lost in your own world. Most adults don't realize that ADHD is more than just a disease for children, it also affects close to 5 percent of the adult population in the United States, many of which were undiagnosed cases when they were growing up. If you think you have ADHD, the good news is that you're not alone. There are medications to help you control this disorder, but many patients benefit more from getting help from others and learning tips and tricks to teach themselves how to better manage their condition. Before you consider medicines, you want to take a look at your resources.

1. Your Family Doctor

Quite a few adults with ADHD discover that they may have the disorder at the same time one of their children is diagnosed. If you're working on controlling your child's ADHD with your doctor, you could feel comfortable enough to discuss with them the possibility of you also seeking treatment. Explain to them the difficulties you've faced that are similar. Some doctors are happy to admit that they're not familiar enough with ADHD to make a firm diagnosis, but they can refer you to an ADHD specialist who can.

2. Mental Health Centers

You might feel that there is a stigma attached to seeking help from mental health professionals, but many of the reasons people need therapy or assessment are very common. If you find out what kind of mental health resources are available in your area, they will almost certainly have someone on staff who is an expert in ADHD and can give you more information. If there is a college or university near you with a strong psychiatry department, they could be a good source of information as well.

3. Therapists and Coaches

If you're going to get serious about controlling your ADHD symptoms, there are professional coaches available that are accredited through the Institute for Advancement of ADHD Coaches. These professionals can help you with both long-term goals and daily life. They will discuss with you the changes you want to make in your behavior and what steps you can take to get there. Many therapists have experience in adult ADHD as well, and they will be able to teach you ways to change your thinking.

4. Support Groups

Support groups are incredibly essential for anyone struggling with a mental disorder, and adult ADHD is no exception. When you listen to other people's stories, you will know how many regular, everyday people like you are affected by ADHD and be able to relate to what they're going through. You can also get ideas for how other people cope with the condition, which can leave you feeling less worried about your future.

Adult ADHD can have a major impact on your life, and it is not something to be taken lightly. If you suffer from ADHD, you have a much higher chance of problems at work and problems in your relationships. Along with that comes the feeling of never really being in control of your life. You owe it to yourself not to struggle anymore, and the first step to making that a reality could be reaching out to someone who is willing to lend a hand.

Sarah Martin writes for medical blogs. If you've been dealing with a short attention space, look into the ways in which training and mentoring can help you be more focused.

Understanding Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis and Stages

Being told that you have prostate cancer can be a frightening experience. When you are told of your condition, it's common to be so overwhelmed that you neglect to ask important questions, only to think of them once you've gotten home. Understanding your illness is often the first step on the road to recovery. Here's what you need to know about your diagnosis and how the cancer is staged:

1.Diagnosing Stages

Once a man has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his physician will perform one or more additional tests to determine the stage of cancer. These tests may include a digital rectal examination, a blood test, an MRI of the prostate or skeleton, a CT of the pelvis and abdomen, or a surgical procedure to examine lymph nodes. While not all men will need each test, most men will undergo at least one of these tests in order for their physician to better stage the cancer.

2.Stage I

If you are diagnosed with stage I prostate cancer, this means that your cancer is microscopic and only located in the prostate. Your cancer will not be large enough for your doctor to manipulate digitally. Additionally, the cancer will not be able to be detected on any digital imaging of the prostate gland. Stage I cancer of the prostate will be discovered by a needle biopsy or in tissue that is removed during other surgical procedures.

3.Stage II

In stage II prostate cancer, the cancer is still located solely in the prostate. The cancer may be found in one-half or less of one lobe of the prostate, in more than one-half of one lobe or in opposite sides of the prostate gland. As in stage I prostate cancer, stage II cancers cannot be felt during digital rectal exams, nor will the cancer be visible on any type of imaging.

4.Stage III

In stage III prostate cancer, the cancer has spread outside of the prostate to nearby tissues. The prostate specific antigen, or PSA, score can be at any level and the Gleason score will range between two and ten. Your doctor may choose to treat you with external-beam radiation therapy, hormone therapy or suggest you for a clinical trial of new therapies. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest no treatment at all and, instead, adopt a watch and see approach to your cancer.

5.Stage IV

When your prostate cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other areas of your body, you are diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Your cancer may be found in your bones, liver, lungs or lymph nodes. Stage IV prostate cancer, like other cancers that have reached the fourth stage, is considered to be the most serious. Without immediate treatment, this type of cancer will likely prove fatal. Your doctor may prescribe chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or a radical prostatectomy combined with other therapies.

The better you understand your diagnosis and the stage of prostate cancer that has been discovered, the better equipped you will be to partner with your oncologist to aggressively tackle your disease. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, do not hesitate to approach your doctor with any questions that you may have. Your gained knowledge may just save your life.

John Martin writes articles for several health testing sites and recommends having your prostate test in Dallas Tx done at one of these centers.

Five Facts about Stroke for the Caregiver

If your loved one has suffered a stroke, there's no doubt that you're going through a very difficult and frightening time. The National Stroke Association tells us that over 750,000 people in America each year suffer a first or recurrent stroke, and one in 55 Americans are living with the effects of a stroke. If you are caring for someone who has recently had a stroke, here are five facts that you need to know:

1.It's All in the Head

Many people are confused when it comes to exactly what a stroke is. To understand stroke, think of it as a sort of "brain attack." When a blood clot interrupts the blood flow to an area of the brain, a stroke results. During a stroke, brain cells can die due to a lack of oxygen. As brain cells die, the abilities that are controlled by that particular area of the brain become impaired. Typically, these abilities include memory, speech and movement.

2.Effects on the Survivor

Because not every person is the same, every stroke is different. Each person is affected by stroke in different ways. On average, a stroke survivor can expect to have impaired mobility, memory loss, depressions, communication problems, muscle spasticity, and difficulty in performing daily tasks that require manual dexterity. A stroke survivor can incur one of these results or a combination of them. The resultant issues of a stroke can last for weeks, months or for the rest of the survivor's life.

3.Rehabilitation

If your loved one has had a stroke, his or her needs for rehabilitation therapy may vary. Each stroke patient will need to undergo some form of rehabilitation immediately after leaving the hospital. Your loved one may receive rehabilitation services directly from the hospital, from a specialized rehab hospital or even in a nursing home. If your loved one's stroke was mild, he or she may be able to undergo a course of rehabilitation at home. It's also important to note that rehabilitation may take as little as a few weeks and as long as several years.

4.Recovery Rates

As a caregiver, you should know that recovery rates among stroke victims vary widely. Of stroke victims, only ten percent recover completely. Twenty-five percent will recover with only minor physical impairments, 40 percent will require special care due to moderate to severe impairments, ten percent will requpire long-term care, and 15 percent die within days, weeks or months of suffering their stroke.

5.As a Caregiver

Caring for a loved one who has suffered a stroke can be a tiring, overwhelming process. It's not unusual caregivers to encounter feelings of guilt and depression. As the caregiver of someone who has suffered a stroke, it's important to remember that you can't do it all. Find help when you need it from friends and family members. You may also want to consider hiring a part-time nurse who can relieve you of your duties, even if it's only one day a week. Don't forget to take time for yourself; it doesn't make you a bad person. Keep in mind that the healthier you are both physically and mentally, the better equipped you will be to care for your loved one.

If your loved one has suffered a stroke, arming yourself with the facts will make the process that follows a stroke less overwhelming. If you are directly related to the person who has suffered a stroke, don't neglect to have your own risk assessed. A simple blood test, conducted as part of an annual physical, can tell you if you are at high risk for stroke.

John Martin writes articles for health blogs and suggests having blood work done one of the Tennessee lab testing locations.

Cystic Fibrosis and Medical Tourism

Cystic Fibrosis of CF in short is a genetic disorder which gets passed down through recessive genes and has adverse effects on the pulmonary system of the affected. The disease's characteristics come from a defective gene which causes the formation of thick mucus in the lungs which overtime causes a number of respiratory problems alongside a weakened immune system which paired with the mucus buildup opens the lungs and digestive tract to bacterial infections. The disease is currently incurable because of its unique properties although some treatments to prolong and improve the lives of the affected exist. Patients require regular observation and tests because of the inevitable infections present so medics can give accurate diagnosis.

Treating CF is a battle on many fronts because of the weakened immune systems of the affected. It includes antibiotic treatments in an attempt to slow or prevent the progression of the bacterial infections which can be done orally or intravenously or through inhalations. The overall life expectancy of the affected varies according to each case, but what every one of them has in common is that the infection can never be completely overcome. Treatments and preventative measures developed over the last few decades have significantly improved the life expectancy, though those treatments are not available freely across the globe.

That being said a lot of countries in the world have cystic fibrosis specific clinics and centers who take care of patients affected by this disease, however in many of the the developing countries their fate is pretty grim because of the lack of resources, knowledge or competence about CF. Many of the affected feel the need to look for help elsewhere, often way beyond whatever their country can offer as a way of dealing with the problem and therefore medical tourism appears as the only viable option for them to have a fighting chance.

One of the places in the world currently which helps in the treatments of patients with CF is the Dead Sea resort where the atmospheric pressure and climate help the affected adapt to treatments. Other targets for medical tourism sought after are France and Canada because of their excellent medical care systems and others across the globe. The treatments however are very expensive and usually way beyond the scope of what the average patient can afford. Patients have decreased options when it comes to earning an income because of their condition and the need for constant treatment and immune-boosting and stimulating therapy without which their condition would quickly deteriorate.

Many of the local cystic fibrosis associations have banded together under the banner of the federation Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide, which do their best to offer help to the affected and to raise the public awareness and summon as much help as possible from the global society. The rising costs of global healthcare and the few localized places where one can get the right treatments and lung transplants have forced less fortunate patients to seek desperate help. International laws unfortunately prevent the free movement abroad they really need so they can receive care, so for the most part they are looking for ways to sponsor their needs either via the many organizations which deal with helping them or through their own means.

Overall the need for a raised public awareness of the needs of the affected is very acute since their disease isn't as popular and well-known as others spoken of on global media channels and the internet. Although not as obscure as certain genetic disorders and syndromes it is entirely possible for patients to receive care if their options were open. We can only hope that in time their pleas and needs will be addressed so they can travel freely to where they can receive the proper treatment and that raised public awareness would provide them with the finances needed to afford it.

This guest post has been provided by: Vacationhomes

What is Foot Reflexology

Foot Reflexology has become a well respected ADJUNCT to regular medical care.It is used in Hospitals, by Physical Therapists and Chiropractors to enhance MOST forms of medical treatments.

Foot reflexology can help ease the pain of achy joints and muscles, relieve headaches and toothaches, improve the functioning of major systems of the body.

Foot Reflexology works by applying pressure at specific points on the bottom of the foot. This is not the same as acupressure or acupuncture.
In fact, the only thing that is the same is that medical science can't prove how it works...they just know it does!!

There are over 7,200 nerve endings at the bottom of each foot. Nerves connectto every organ, every limb and region of the body through the brain and spinal column. It is thought that foot reflexology works in much the same way. Even though we don't actually work the nerve endings, the correlation of the bottom of the feet to every region of the body definitely exists. It was originally called "The Zone" therapy in the early 20th century and was successfully organized into a comprehensive therapy by a physical therapist, Eunice Ingham in the '40s. She coined the term "reflexes" when referring to this therapy.

Foot reflexology can increase the blood flow to the part of the body being worked, which in turn increases the oxygen going to that part.

The increased blood flow helps take away toxins that build up in each cell of the body each day.
This brings more health and vitality to the region plus adds a sense of over-all well-being. When our feet feel good, we feel good!

Learn to do foot reflexology to help your family and friends feel better! Get helpgetting your body back to its' natural state of health by teaching your family todo foot reflexology on you!

Please realize that foot reflexology is NOT a substitute for medical treatment, you are always encouraged to seek professional medical help when needed, however, this therapy can be used in conjunction with most treatments for most conditions.

Please, if being treated by a medical professional, get that professional's permission before doing foot reflexology for that medical condition

Types Of Drug And Alcohol Treatment

There are several levels of drug and alcohol treatment. Before we look for a drug rehab or alcohol treatmentalcohol treatment program, we have to look at the level of care needed for the severity of the problem. Just as there are various levels of use of mood altering drugs, there are various levels of treatment. Here are some levels of care and examples of what may be appropriate for a situation.

Brief Therapy/Intervention - This is usually a very short duration program, but can be very effective. Perhaps a person who really is not involved with alcohol over does it one time on a birthday or New Years and is caught on their first DUI. They may be mandated to attend alcohol classes where education is provided for a few weeks.

Detoxification - The idea that this is treatment is a common misconception. The purpose of a 'Detox' is to safely monitor and de-escalate an incident of intoxification. Generally, as soon as you are medically stable (which is not recovery treatment) you are dismissed from the hospital or facility. Supervised detox is recommended for long term alcohol or benzodiazepine (Xanax, Ambien etc) users as the risk of seizures exists. This may be a required first step before entering treatment.

Outpatient Program - This is non-residential treatment usually consisting of attending a therapy group and/or individual counseling once or twice/week. This may be appropriate for a person' whose use is starting to cause problems, but is not yet dependent

Intensive Outpatient Program - This is non residential but generally consists of 16-20 hours of group and individual therapy per week. Insurance is more likely to cover this form of treatment rather than inpatient treatment. This is less costly than residential, but is appropriate for a person with full dependency. Outpatient programs may be used as a 'step down' after completing residential treatment

Inpatient Treatment - This is your classic drug rehab. It is residential and the programs generally consist of a full day of activities and may last from 4 weeks to a year. It is the most intense form of treatment and these facilities are usually equipped to handle additional global problems associated with addiction such as mental health, physical, emotional and spiritual areas.

I am definitely biased. That being said, I would recommend inpatient treatment for anyone with addiction and chemical dependency. One disadvantage is that it can be costly and insurance generally does not cover it. The reality is that insurance companies will pay out as little as possible for addiction treatment.

The important thing is to get a proper assessment so you can be matched with an appropriate type of drug and alcohol treatment.

By BILL URELL

Loving Your Wrinkles

We don't like wrinkles. But we can actually love it and live with it. Let's just say that wrinkles can be beautiful. There are actually different views regarding wrinkles, and some learned to love it. Some view it as sign of wisdom and reminders for life's lessons especially when we were younger.

Anyone who doesn't know Cameron Diaz?

She is gorgeous. In one article in usmagazine.com, she said "I feel so much more attractive now. A thousand percent. I'm appreciating my skin and my wrinkles and all those things."

She just loves who she is and appreciates everything that she has. Now that's called women empowerment. There are actually some wrinkles that we should have. These symbolize something and can show what happened in our life.

Wrinkles that should be there

Sign of joy

One of the common type of wrinkle that most of us want to remove is the crow's feet, the ones that we can find beside our eyes. In fact, the Chinese call these joy lines. Basically, these represent pure smile and pure laughter. You can only have these when you are genuinely expressing your happy emotions.

Lines of wisdom

The horizontal lines in our foreheads are the ones that are commonly targeted by derm clinics and treatment creams. I'm sure a lot of us wished these lines to be removed because they make us look older. I'm guilty of this too.

However, these actually represent the items when we learned something, or experienced something that changed our life. Usually these happens when we are younger - in our twenties. The lines represent wisdom or survival of some really hard events in our life. So these actually serve as reminders of our past.

A symbol of true beauty

According to an article in naturalhealthmag.com.au, "A woman who can use her facial expressions to display confidence, love, laughter and emotion radiates an attractiveness that can't be replicated by expressions frozen in time. Wrinkles display warmth and charisma, adding character to our faces."

Wrinkles show a woman's real personality. She can show her real self to others through these. It is a symbol of beauty because wrinkles show maturity and femininity. At the same time it is also liberating and empowering for women to be themselves - that's what makes women who learned to love their wrinkles beautiful.

Closing thoughts

Wrinkles can really be annoying sometimes. But it's time to appreciate them and the role that they play in our lives. They're there for a reason, and they show who we really are as a person. For some people who experience aging. I mean excessive aging that causes more than just wrinkles. There are some health benefits to getting hormone therapy. One of the clinics that you can visit is the American Longevity Center.

Finally, one last statement - appreciate your wrinkles.

Author byline:
Edward Beyer loves to write about anything. Find more of his posts at American Longevity Center.

Therapy for smoking kills the pleasure of nicotine

Can't kick cigarettes? A vaccine may one day help by preventing nicotine from reaching its target in the brain, according to research published this week.

Most smoking therapies do a poor job of stopping the habit 70% to 80% of smokers who use an approved drug therapy to quit relapse. Scientists say this is because the targets of existing therapies are imperfect, only slightly weakening nicotine's ability to find its target in the brain.

So some scientists have been trying a different approach creation of a vaccine. It would work like this: People would inject the vaccine like a shot, and the vaccine would create nicotine antibodies, molecules that can snatch up nicotine from the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. The vaccine could be used by smokers who want to quit or people who are worried about getting addicted to cigarettes in the future.

Researchers have tried to create vaccines in the past, but the ones they've come up with have not been particularly effective. The authors of the new study say this may be because previous vaccines just didn't create enough antibodies to get rid of all the nicotine.

The new report, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, attempts to solve this problem via gene therapy, in which a new gene is inserted into the body to do a particular job.

First the scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City put a gene that produces a nicotine antibody into mice. The gene was taken into the mice's livers, and the liver started producing the antibody. Once produced, the antibody connected with nicotine, trapping it and preventing it from making its way to the brain, where it would otherwise have caused the pleasurable, addictive effects it is so known for.

Because of this trick, the researchers say that the new vaccine should only have to be injected once, and it will work for life, continuing to produce new antibodies in the liver.

The vaccine was effective: When mice were given nicotine intravenously, ones with the vaccine had a 47-fold drop in levels of nicotine in the blood compared with ones that hadn't received the vaccine. The antibody had successfully captured the nicotine in the bloodstream before it could reach the brain.

The work is still preliminary, and the authors admit the technology is far from ready for human use; it has only been used in rodents so far. But given the results, and the continued public health effect of smoking, it may not be too long before all those boxes of Nicorette are replaced with a single trip to the doctor's office.

By Jon Bardin, Los Angeles Times

Check HIV status Pregnant women Advised

A mother living with HIV has advised pregnant women to go for Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VTC) to know their HIV status to help protect their unborn babies against HIV infections.

She said if she had taken advantage of such an opportunity, she would have protected her child from getting infected.

The 32-year-old mother was speaking at a programme on prevention of HIV as part of a behavioural change project, organised by the Technical Support Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission in the Eastern Region for students of the Victory Vocational Institute in Koforidua.

The programme was aimed at protecting the students against HIV infection.

She said she was a strong woman who never knew her HIV status until she gave birth to her first child about four years ago.

The woman said 10 months after delivery, her baby developed a boil under the armpit and was taken to hospital but after several treatments without success, the medical officer called for HIV test and the baby was found to be HIV positive.

She was also encouraged to take the test which later proved positive.

She encouraged all women to know their HIV status so that they could seek early treatment and protect their children and the future generation from HIV infections.

Ms Golda Asante, Technical Co-ordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, in charge of the Eastern Regional branch, advised the students to concentrate on their education and avoid going to town without permission to engage in activities that could expose them to acquiring HIV.

She said the target of the Eastern Regional branch of the commission was to achieve zero infection of HIV and the total elimination of mother-to-child transmissions.

The woman informed the students that they could access VTC on HIV in all government hospitals in the region and those who test positive could be put on the Anti-Retroviral Therapy to sustain them for the rest of their lives.

Screening has failed, the check it yourself breast cancer survival guide

There is growing disquiet in the medical community. The NHS breast-cancer screening programme, which invites all women to have three-yearly X-rays (mammograms) from the age of 50, has been said by some doctors to 'do more harm than good'.

This, coupled with the fact that one woman in eight now develops the disease 5,000 more diagnoses a year than a decade before and reports that many cases are dismissed by GPs who don't recognise symptoms, makes for confusing reading.

What all experts agree on is that early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. 'When a breast cancer is picked up through a routine screening mammogram, it's often cured,' says Lester Barr, a consultant breast cancer surgeon at the Christie Hospital in Manchester.

'When the disease is picked up through discovering a lump, the chances of a cure drop as the cancer is likely to be more advanced.'

Mr Barr admits that screening, which was introduced in 1988, could be improved but women should not be put off having mammograms. 'There is an argument that screening catches tiny tumours that would never have grown, meaning women go through unnecessary worry and treatment. And perhaps we need to better target women who are at risk.

'All women need to make sure they are doing enough themselves to ensure early detection. There are still women who know surprisingly little about how a breast should feel and look.' Here, Britain's leading experts give their essential guide that every woman should read.

LOOK FOR FAMILY PATTERNS
Breast cancer is hereditary in ten per cent of cases so it is vital for a woman to know her family history, says Professor Gareth Evans, consultant in genetic medicine at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester. 'Look for any patterns on one side of the family such as a mother, grandmother, aunt and first cousin who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. If there are at least two first-degree relatives – ie a mother and sister – who have had the disease, the risk is greater,' explains Prof Evans. The younger a woman is diagnosed the more likely it will be that her breast cancer has been caused by an inherited defective gene.

IF THERE IS HISTORY, GET A GENE TEST
The rogue genes, known as BRCA 1, BRCA 2 and P53, can be identified through a blood test. But this can be done only if a woman has a living relative who has had breast cancer and can provide a blood sample. Those who carry the genes have an 85 per cent risk of getting breast cancer. The options for women with a strong family history or who have been identified as carrying the faulty breast-cancer gene include yearly MRI scans and mammograms on the NHS. 'Together these can pick up 90 to 95 per cent of breast cancers early,' explains Prof Evans. 'But some women opt for a pre-emptive strike by having their breasts removed.'

Prof Evans is leading a study into the use of the drug tamoxifen, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 40 per cent. 'Do'’t take the contraceptive pill if you have a strong family history as the drug has been linked to an increase in risk,' says Dr Anne Trigg, a consultant medical oncologist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.

ALL WOMEN MUST BE BREAST AWARE
Mammograms are not effective for women under the age of 50 as the breast tissue is still too dense. If there have been isolated incidents of breast cancer in the family, you can always consult your GP for an examination. 'Aside from lumps, they are looking for areas of the breast that feel subtly different from the rest  limpness, a harder area or a breast that feels more granular,' explains Mr Richard Sainsbury, consultant breast cancer surgeon.

Unexplained tiredness can be early symptoms of the disease. 'It's not necessary to do constant self-examinations,' says Mr Sainsbury. 'But be aware of any changes – particularly heaviness, distortions, or a change in size or shape.'

A RED RASH IS A RED ALERT
'Inflammatory breast cancer, which accounts for between one and five per cent of breast- cancer cases, can make the skin red and swollen, but it is often misdiagnosed as cellulite or a skin infection,' Dr Trigg says. 'Look out for a new and itchy rash around the nipple, discharge from the nipple or any difference in shape and size. It could be normal but always get it checked by your GP. And always check armpits for lumps.'

CHECK MONTHLY AFTER YOU HIT 30
Dr Trigg says: 'From the age of 30, self-examination should be done once a month, midway through the menstrual cycle.'

Using the pads of the fingers, feel in small circular motions round the breast and then move in smaller concentric circles until you reach the nipples.
Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side.
Do this lying down, and then feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting.

'In the ten years leading up to the menopause, breast tissue begins to turn to fat and this can cause benign cysts,' adds Mr Sainsbury. 'Cancer can be ruled out by mammogram or biopsy. See your GP, who will refer you to a specialist.' Be familiar with the appearance of your breasts, checking that they are their usual shape, size and colour and appear symmetrical.

THE QUESTION: TO HRT OR NOT TO HRT?
At present women of 50 are called for a three-yearly mammogram through the NHS screening programme. But Prof Evans says: 'A third of breast cancers are picked up in the three years between mammograms.'

Self-examination is vital after the age of 50 when breasts may look different. A loss of volume can cause dimpling in the skin and as this can also be a sign of breast cancer, get it checked.
Prof Evans tells menopausal women with a family history to avoid hormone-replacement therapy as artificially raising hormone levels can increase risk of breast cancer. The hormone oestrogen, which can drive some forms of breast cancer, is produced by fatty tissue. So the fatter you are, the bigger the risk.

AFTER SCREENING STOPS . . .
Screening stops at the age of 70. If women wish to continue, then they can request it, explains Barr. He says: 'By the age of 80 any lump is likely to be breast cancer. Women should be aware of any changes.'

By ANGELA EPSTEIN