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[1, 2]
How to Perform a Breast Self Exam
Chapter 2
Step 2: Still in a standing position, use the pads of your three
middle fingers to feel all parts of the breast and nipple. Make
small circles with your fingertips, applying firm pressure. Use
your right hand on your left breast and then your left hand on your
right breast, checking one breast at a time. Start just below your
collarbone and go back and forth so as the entire breast area is
covered, making sure to include the breast tissue in the underarm.
You should be taking note of the size and exact location of each
lump that you encounter.
Step 3: Lie down flat on your back with one hand raised under your
pillow beneath your head. Using the same method as step 2, again
check all areas of your breasts. Sometimes you will only notice
a lump in one position or the other, which is why it's important
to do the entire process both standing up and lying down.
It is a good idea to record your monthly findings in a notepad.
If you do it each and every month, you will learn which lumps are
always there, which ones may be new, and if the size or density
of the lumps are changing. The more often you examine your breasts,
the more familiar you become with them and learn what is normal
for you and what changes may be occurring. Some women find it useful
to examine their breasts more than the standard once a month so
that they familiarize themselves with them at all phases during
the month.
It is normal for a woman to undergo regular changes in her breasts
at the onset of menstruation. Most women will experience lumps in
the breast, pain, or nipple discharge at some point in their lives,
particularly after the age of 30. Some women have breasts that are
naturally lumpier than others, depending on how glandular her breasts
are. This is especially true for women who are thin or who have
small breasts.
If you find a lump, don't panic. As previously mentioned, most
women have lumps in their breasts. If you discover a new lump or
the lump changes, or you notice changes in the breast such as discharge
from the nipple or puckering or dimpling of the skin, then you should
see your doctor as soon as possible. Do not put off going to the
doctor because you are too afraid. Nearly 90% of lumps found in
the breast are benign (non cancerous). You will feel more at ease
once you see your doctor and determine if there is a problem or
not. Odds are very high that there is no problem, but if there is,
the sooner you receive treatment, the more successful treatment
will be.
Other measures that you can take in preventing breast cancer include:
1- Eat a low fat diet. Try keeping total fat calories to less than
25% of total caloric intake.
2- Don't smoke. If you do smoke, try to quit.
3- Avoid unnecessary X-rays.
4- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
5- Avoid food products that contain nitrates as preservatives.
6- Breast-feed your babies.
7- Eat vegetables that contain sulforaphane, such as broccoli, brussel
sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.
Through exercise, eating a well balanced diet and taking good care
of your overall health, your chances of developing breast cancer
decrease. If you perform monthly breast self examination, you ensure
earlier diagnosis and should the worst occur, more successful treatment.
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