Why Should You Examine Your Breasts Monthly ?
*
Most breast cancer is first dicovered by women themselves. Since breast cancer found early and treated promptly has an excellent chance for cure, learning how to exmine your breasts properly can help save your life. Use the simple 3-step breast self-examination (BSE) procedure described below. *
When To Examine Your Breasts ?
*
Follow the same procedure once a month about 1 week after your period, when your breasts are usually not tender or swollen. After menopause, check your breasts on the first day of each month. After a hysterectomy, consult with your doctor or clinic for an approprate time of the month. Doing a monthly self-exam will give you peace of mind, and seeing your doctor once a year will reassure you there is nothing wrong.
*
3-Step Breast Self-Exam :
*
1) In The Shower
*
Examine your breasts during a bath or shower - hands glide easier over wet skin. With the fingers flat, move the hand gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening.
*
2) In Front Of A Mirror
*
Inspect your breasts with arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in contour of each breast, such as a swelling, dimpling of skin or changes in the nipple.
*
3) Lying Down On Your Back
*
To examine your right breast, put a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Place your right hand under your head - - this distributes breast tissue more evenly on the chest.
*
With the left hand, fingers flat, press gently in small circular motions around an imaginary clock face. Begin at the outermost top of your right breast for 12 o'clock, then move to 1 o'clock, and so on around the circle back to 12. A ridge of firm tissue in the lower curve of each breast is normal. Then move in an inch, toward the nipple, and keep circling to examine every part of your breast, including the nipple. This requires at least three more circles.
*
Now slowly repeat the procedure on your left breast with a pillow under your left shoulder and the left hand under your head. Notice how your breast structure feels.
*
Finally, squeeze the nipple of each breast gently between thumb and index finger. Any discharge, clear or bloody, should be reported to your doctor immediately.
*
What To Do If You Find A Lump Or Thickening ?
*
If a lump, dimple or discharge is discovered during a self-exam, it is improtant to see your doctor as soon as possible. Don't be frightened. Most breast lumps or changes are not cancer, but only your doctor can make the diagnosis.
