Have you done a breast self exam lately? April is Cancer Control Month, and it’s as good a time as any to do one. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in Canada, and the second leading cause of cancer death in America. Although breast cancer death rates have steadily declined since the 1990s, it’s still essential for you to be vigilant about this disease.

Here Is How to Give Yourself A Thorough Breast Self Exam

• Pay attention to your body. Become really familiar with how your breasts feel normally. This will help you to notice any abnormalities during your regular breast self exam.

• Be aware of breast cancer symptoms. Warning signs during your self breast exam include lumps, dimpling, unexplained pain or swelling (for instance, not related to an accident or menstruation), changes in your nipples, nipple discharge, and skin changes. When you examine your breast, check for these symptoms above and below the breasts, under your armpits and near your ribs and collarbone.

• Assume the right position. During your breast cancer self exam stand in front of a mirror to check for symptoms such as skin changes and dimpling. When you perform the touching part of the exam, it’s best to lie down so that the breast tissue spreads and it’s easier to feel changes such as lumps. If you check for lumps while standing, raise your arms only slightly.

• Apply the right touch and motion. To do your breast self exam, use your index, middle and ring fingers in the hand opposite to the breast your checking. Using different levels of pressure make small circular movements from the outside and work towards the nipple area. You can also work from the top to the bottom of your breast area.

What to Do If You Notice Changes During Your Breast Self Exam

If you find any symptoms such as a lump or nipple changes during your breast self exam, visit your physician as soon as possible. Even though the changes may not turn out to be cancer, it’s better to play it safe. Your doctor will perform another breast exam and may recommend you get further screening such as an ultrasound or mammogram.

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SOURCE: CORE CONTENT MEDIA
Resources: American Cancer Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation