How to perform self-examination of the breast
WeekendLife
DR BOIMA
HEALTH ISSUES
October marks the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). According to World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming lives of many women each year especially in the developing countries where health care is sought late and thus it becomes challenging for Doctors to treat the cancer in its advanced stages.
Self-examination of the breast has been found to be one of the most reliable screening tools for breast cancer.
Women are adviced to examine their own breasts at least once in a month so as to catch the cancer in its early stages. Any unusual changes in the breast should be reported to the Doctor. The following steps will guide in carrying out this trivial exercise.
Step 1
Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips
Here's what you should look for;
Any changes in the size, shape, position and colour of the breasts
Any changes to the skin of the breasts
Any visible distortion or swelling of the breasts
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention;
Breasts that don’t look symmetrical (size and shape)
NB – Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape. Most women's breasts aren't. The difference has to be drastic and if you aren’t sure always check with your doctor
Dimpling, puckering, discolouration or bulging of the skin
A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward)
Redness, soreness, or rash of the nipple
Step 2
Now raise your arms and look for the same changes
Then bend forward toward the mirror and let your breasts fall forward. Look for the same changes
While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of abnormal discharge coming out of one or both nipples (this could be watery, milky, pus or blood). A thumb and index finger can be used to squeeze the nipple for any discharge
Step 3
Now lie down and with one arm rested behind your neck, feel the left breast with your right hand and vice versa. Feel for any pain or lumps
Keeping the fingers flat and together, use a circular motion to all around the breast
Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side including under your armpit
Step 4
Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting
Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower
Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 3 above
Contents courtesy of Breastcancer.org (a non-profit organization dedicated to providing up-to-date information on breast cancer)
For questions or comments please email agboima@yahoo.com
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