Breast cancer awareness month is usually every October. It is a month set aside, to help raise awareness of the scourge of breast cancer, especially since it has been raised to the status of public health importance.
So a request came through DoctorsQuarters.com Facebook Group page, that she would want to know how to do proper self examination.
A proper self examination, ensures early detection which is the surest way to halt the spread of the disease in the human body.
STEP ONE:
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:
- Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
- Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:
- Any redness, soreness, swelling, pain etc.
- Dimpling, puckering, swelling of the skin.
- Is the Nipple pushing inwards, instead of outwards.
STEP 2:
Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.
STEP 3:
While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).
STEP 4:
Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.
Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Make sure you cover your whole breast while you are at it… Do take your time.
STEP 5:
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 4.
Now that you have followed this step meticulously, if you do not notice any abnormality, then schedule another time when you would do the self examination again. The self examination of your breast should be periodically… it NEVER ends.
If you notice any abnormality, quickly contact your doctor for a complete physical examination and complete health package.
REFERENCE: BreastCancer.org
