There are three
ways to detect breast cancer: Breast Self-Exam (BSE); mammogram;
and regular screenings by a physician. BSE is a woman's best defense,
and should be a regular routine for all women. If you are not
doing BSE's, then NOW might be a good time to ask yourself, "Why
not?" No one knows your breast better than you do.
Self-exams
take approximately 15 minutes to do once a month, and it is time
well spent. The best time for women still menstruating to do the
exam is 2-3 days after the last day of your period, when breasts
are less tender. For those not
menstruating, it is best to pick the same day each month, so the
exam becomes routine. Remember, breast self examination is NOT
a substitute for routine mammograms or regular exams by a physician.
The Exam:
1.Stand
in front of a mirror in which BOTH breasts can be visualized.
Look for anything that might be unusual. It is quite normal to
have breasts that are NOT equal in size. Look for skin that appears
to be puckering, dimpling, or scaling. Gently squeeze each nipple
and check for any discharge.
2.Place
your hands clasped together behind your neck and press forward,
again noting the shape of the breasts.Place your hands on your
hips and bend slightly forward, pulling your shoulders forward,
again note the shape of the breasts.
3.While
standing, raise one hand up, and with the other check the breast
and surrounding tissue for any lumps. NOTE: Some women find it
easier for their fingers to glide over the skin using powder,
lotions, or oil. This can also be done in the shower when the
breasts are wet and soapy. Feel the tissues by using the flat
part of the fingers using definite patterns of lines, circles,
or wedges (see end for explanation).
4.
Repeat step three lying down. Place a towel or small pillow under
the shoulder of the side you are checking. This helps to flatten
out the breast, making the exam easier to do.
Areas
to check: The breast itself, the area between the breast and underarm,
the underarm area, and the area from the breast to the shoulder.
Method
of finger movement over the skin:
Lines:
Imagine lines dissecting the areas to be checked. Run your
fingers up and down and across all lines.
Circles:
Beginning at the outer edge of the breast, move your fingers in
a circle around the breast, until the circles are smaller, and
you are to the nipple area. Repeat for other areas to be checked
as well.
Wedges: Start at the outer edge of the breast and move
towards the nipple, then back to the edge, repeating this until
the entire breast is covered. Again, remember to check the other
areas as well.
Signs of
Any Problems:
If
you notice any of the following problems during your self-breast
exam, you should follow up with your MD:
·A lump
·Swelling
·Skin Irritation
·Dimpling (skin surface resembles an orange skin)
·Pain
·Nipple Retraction
·Redness of nipple or breast skin
·Scaly nipple or breast skin
·Nipple discharge
There
is no "right" method. Do what you are comfortable doing,
but remember to check all areas each month. About 20% of all lumps
prove to be malignant, so performing this exam can be life saving.
All
lumps, and any of the above mentioned abnormalities, should be
checked by your physician. Lumpy breasts can be normal for some
women, and as you continue to check your breasts routinely, you
will know what is normal for
you, and what is not.
If
you are not familiar with how to correctly perform a self-breast
exam, get information from your physician or local cancer society.
DISCLAIMER:
This information presented here is for educational purposes and
should not be used as a substitute for personal medical attention,
diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns about the health
of your breast, it is recommended you see your physician.
