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Breast Self Examination
Breast self-awareness is important,
by examining your breasts on a regular basis (once a month) you
will become familiar with what is normal for your body and will
quickly recognize any changes. It is important to remember that
here are many factors which may make them feel different at certain
times of the month e.g. your menstrual cycle, just before a period
breasts are known to get a little tender and feel lumpy. You should
try to carry out a self examination on your breasts once every
month, the best time is about a week after the end of your period
or on the same day every month if you no longer have periods.
Things you should look for:
- Nipple changes (discharge, bleeding,
colour changes, indrawing or change in direction or shape).
- Skin changes (dimpling, denting, scaling
or discolouration of the skin, 'orange peel' appearance).
- Changes in the shape or contour of
the breast.
- Lumps or swellings that feel different
from the rest of your breast tissue.
- Lumps or swollen areas in the armpit
or the arm.
If you notice any changes, don't panic most
lumps are NOT cancer, but it is advisable to see your doctor straight
away.
1. Stand in front of the
mirror with your hands at your sides and look carefully at the
shape of your breasts, the position of the nipples and look for
any changes in skin colour or contour, rashes, dimpling or puckering.
Check again with your hands on hips, pressing the shoulders and
armpits forward.Finally clasp your hands behind your head and
turn from side to side to check that both nipples move up and
down about the same.
2. While
in the bath or shower, raise your left arm and feel your left
breast with the flat of your right hand. Starting from the outer
top press firmly enough to feel the tissue underneath and move
in a circular motion. When you have completed a circle, move round
one inch and repeat circling, continuing this cycle until you
have checked the entire breast including the nipple. Also check
the area above the breast, specially the armpit. Repeat on the
right side.
3. Lie
with a rolled-up towel or pillow under your left shoulder and
raise your left arm, placing it behind your head. Feel the entire
breast in the circular motion described in Step 2. Repeat on the
right side.
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