A Simple Routine That Could Save Your Life Most
breast lumps are discovered by women themselves. Although the majority of lumps
are non-cancerous, early detection saves lives. Premenopausal women should
examine their breasts the week following menstruation each month when the breast
are the least swollen and tender. Women who no longer menstruate can pick one
day of each month for self-examination. Step 1.While standing
in front of a mirror, with your hands on your hips, visually examine your
breasts. Look for lumps, changes in size, color, shape or contour. Look for
dimples or puckering. Are your nipples normally inverted? If not, look to see
if they are pushed in. Step 2.Repeat this
portion of the examination with your hands behind your head. Step 3.Next, press each
nipple, checking for discharge. Step 4.Lie down with a
pillow under your left shoulder and place your left hand under your head. With
the fingers of your right hand flattened and together, press the top portion
of the left breast. Using circular motions, feel for lumps and thickening. In
other words, think of your breast as the face of a clock. With the top of the
breast as 12 o'clock, move around the outer portion of the breast clockwise.
Once you have returned to 12, move the fingers closer to the nipple and
repeat. Seventy-five percent of breast cancer occurs under the nipple-areola
region or in the upper, outer portion of the breast near the armpit, so make
sure you thoroughly examine these areas. Step 5.Once you have
checked the entire surface of the left breast, move the pillow and examine the
right breast with the left hand. Step 6.Using the same
small, circular motions examine the area adjacent to your breast in the
armpit. This area also contains breast tissue. (Note: A breast self-exam can
also be performed during a shower or bath.) Step 7.If you detect
thickening or a lump, contact your doctor immediately. Most lumps are benign,
but only a doctor can determine that for sure.
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