Introduction
Women know what it is to be occupied. A routine visit to the doctor is perhaps the least want to do. However, it is important to reserve time for mammograms and breast exams. Do it for yourself … and those who depend on you. Early diagnosis of breast cancer could save your life.
Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection is more likely to succeed if it is subjected to a health management program including: regular mammograms, annual breast exams, performed by a doctor or a nurse and monthly breast self-exams.
Examination and early detection
It is very important that you take an active part in the early detection of breast cancer. Ask your doctor about the symptoms to pay attention and what is the appropriate control program. There are three major ways to detect breast cancer:
• Mammogram -breast x-ray
• Medical examination of breast
• Breast self-examination
Clinical breast examination
Generally, the breast exam by the physician or nurse, in women of all ages, is part of regular medical examination. During the examination, the doctor carefully palpates the patient’s breasts and underarm areas to determine if there are lumps or unusual changes.
Breast Self-Exam
Similarly, you should examine your breasts once a month.
It should be noted that each woman’s breasts are different. It is likely that changes occur in the breast due to factors such as age, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills or other hormones. It is normal that resulting uneven breasts to the touch and little bumps are noticed. It is also common to swell or become more sensitive to the touch before or during menstruation. If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, contact your doctor. Cancer, only begin to develop, may not cause any symptoms, but as it progresses, can cause changes against which all women should be alert
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or armpit area;
• Changes in breast size or shape;
• Discharge from the nipple, or
• Change color or texture of the skin of the breast, AROUND the nipple, or nipple itself (dimples, wrinkles or flaking).
If any of these changes, see your doctor. Most times it is not cancer, but only your doctor can know for sure. If you do not have a doctor of their own, call a health center or one of the numbers in the back of this brochure, where our staff can help you find a healthcare provider or clinic near you.
Monthly Breast Self-Exam
Look For Changes
Hands at side compare for symmetry. Look for Changes in:
• shape
• color
Check for:
• puckering
• Skin Changes
• Nipple discharge
• dimpling
Hands over head.
Check front and side view for:
• symmetry
• puckering
• dimpling
Hands on hips, press down, bend forward.
Check for:
• Symmetry
• Nipple direction
• General appearance
Feel For Changes
Lie down with a towel under right shoulder, raise right arm above-the-head.
Examine area from:
• Underarm to lower bra line
• Across to breast bone
• Up to collar bone
• back to armpit
Use the pads of the three middle fingers of the left hand. Hold hand in bowed position. Move fingers in dime-sized circles.
Use three levels of pressure:
• Light
• Medium
• Firm
Examine entire area using vertical strip pattern.
Be sure to examine both breasts
In the same way.
If there are any lumps,
Knots or changes,
Tell your doctor right away.