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Breast Self-Examination

Monthly Breast Self- Examination... is one of the most important ways to find unusual lumps, and other changes in the breast according to Brenda R. West, L.P.N.

Brenda says that the way you do a breast self-examination has changed in that it is more thorough than before, a self- examination should start at the bottom of the bra line, going up the middle of the breast bone to the collarbone and shoulder bone, and around to the upper arm down to the middle of the arm pit (axilla) and around to include the fullness of the breast is the best way to do a thorough breast self-examination. With this way of examining yourself it includes more of the possible areas that breast cancer could be found. The other way was basically just examining the breast itself, not getting as much of the area that should be included.

How to do a thorough Breast Self-Examination...

Use your three middle fingers she said to do the self-examination and not just the tips of the fingers.
The entire flat part of the finger from the last joint to the end of the finger should be used..
Examine an area about the size of a dime at a time using circles, and each circle should have a different amount of pressure.
Use light pressure for the first circle, medium pressure for the second circle, and deep pressure for the third circle.
The self-examination should be done without discomfort but as firmly as you can press without causing yourself pain. Taking note of any unusual lumps, or any changes you did not feel the previous month.
To keep in mind that Breast Self-Examination is the most successful way to discover breast cancer.

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Do You Do Monthly Breast Exams?

Breast Self-Examination is the most successful way to discover breast cancer.

Only 27 % of women examine their breasts monthly.
Women who menstruate should do self-examination 3-7 days after menstruation starts.
Lumps, thickening or subtle changes can be detected through self-examination.
Women who do not menstruate any longer should choose a day each month that is easily remembered. Such as the (1st Friday of every month) or some other day that is easy for you to remember.

Do you know that approximately 150,000 women will develop breast cancer this year and the second most common cancer death in woman is due to breast cancer.

Did you know that most breast cancers if found early are curable?

Women may find breast lumps during breast self-examination which is not uncommon and most of these are found to be benign (non-cancerous), however your physician can best diagnose and treat any possible cancer if found early. If you have any breast lumps, thickening or breast pain it is best to seek medical advice.

Breast Self-Examination should be performed Monthly.
Mammogram should be done at any age if there is reason to believe there could be a suspicious lump.
If there is a history of breast cancer in your family - at age 30 get a mammogram.
Between the ages of 35-40 for a general screening for those of you who do not have a family history of breast cancer or have had no prior biopsy or breast treatment.
Between the ages of 40-50 a mammogram should be done every other year, or as often as your doctor deems necessary.
After age 50 - every year a mammogram should be done.

Special Thanks go out to: Brenda R. West, L.P.N. for the Education on Breast Self-Examination. Also, for the permission given to Lowfat Weekly to use materials from: Source: A Guide To Understanding Breast Problems And Breast Cancer, which has been made available to health care professionals and the public Call: Robert W. Steyskal, M.D. (530) 241-1115

Did you know... that there is increasing evidence that in postmenopausal and overweight women there may be an increase of breast cancer?

Overweight? There is an... Increased chance of developing breast cancer in overweight women. Overweight or Obesity?

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