Be Breast Aware
One of the most important things that you can do for your health is to get to know your breasts.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is the way for you to notice any changes in your breasts, changes that could be a sign of breast cancer. By examining your breasts regularly, you will know how your breasts normally feel. If a change should happen in your breasts you will be able to identify it and let your doctor know immediately. Women themselves find most lumps. Remember, most breast lumps are not cancerous, but you don't know if you don't ask. Early detection is your best chance of a cure.
When to do Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
If you still menstruate (have your period) the best time is two or three days after your period ends. These are the days when your breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen. If you no longer menstruate, pick the same day of every month. It will be easy to remember. If you take hormones, check with your doctor about the best time for your BSE.
How to do Breast Self-Examination - By Looking
Stand in front of a mirror that lets you see your breasts clearly. Look at both breasts. You are looking for anything unusual. This includes puckered, dimpled or scaly skin, or any discharge (clear or coloured fluid) from the nipples.
Now look carefully to see if there is any change in the shape of your breasts. First, Clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.
Next, put your hands firmly on your hips and continue to look for changes in the shape. Bend slightly toward the mirror as you hunch your shoulders and pull your elbows forward.
How to do Breast Self-Examination - By Feeling
Lie down. Flatten your right breast by placing a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head. Place the finger pads of your three middle fingers of your left hand on the outer part of your bare right breast. Pressing gently but firmly, and in a circular motion move inwards until you reach your nipple (option 1). You may also move up and down in straight lines (option 2) or move in straight lines radiating out from the nipple (option 3). Whichever way you choose to examine your breasts, make sure that you do it the same way each time.
Gently squeeze the nipple and look for any discharges.
Then lower your right arm and switch, raising your left arm and examining your left breast with your right hand.
You can also examine your breasts while in the shower. Some women prefer this because fingers glide easily over soapy skin making it easier to feel for changes underneath.
Any woman who notes changes in her breasts or is concerned about them, should seek her General Practitioner's advice immediately.
This information has been reproduced with kind permission from The Marie Keating Foundation.
More Info
Useful websites
www.mariekeating.ie
www.preventcervicalcancer.ie
www.cancer.ie
www.ncri.ie