THE ART BREAST SELF EXAMINATION

Our campaign to fight against Breast cancer would not be complete if we fail to enlighten people about Breast-Self Examination. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, and it is a very deadly one.

When it comes to the fight against cancer (especially breast cancer), awareness is the first and one of the most important steps. Research has it that in developing countries, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not survive because their cancer is detected too late. This is the more, and very important reason, why women (and also men), need to enlightened about the art of Breast-Self Examination.


Breast Cancer has different stages but the earlier it is detected the better. Below are the steps to be taken ON REGULAR BASIS in order to check for any malignant growth/changes in the breast:



STEP 1: FRONT OF A MIRROR.

While standing in front of a mirror, study/examine the breasts very carefully. Check for any of the following:

1. Dimpling (resembling the dimples on the cheeks), puckering(wrinkle/irregular fold) or bulging (swell) on the skin.

2. If the nipple is in the right position: it may be inverted (pushed inwards instead of sticking out) in the case of breast cancer.

3. Fluid coming out from one or both nipples (fluid could be blood, watery, milky or yellowish). Press the nipples firmly and examine it very closely.

4. Sore, redness and rash on the skin of the breast.

STEP 2 : LYING DOWN.

1. While lying down (using a pillow), put your right hand behind your head, use the pad of the three middle fingers of the left hand to press the right breast slowly using light pressure for the tissue beneath the breast, medium pressure for the tissue in the middle part of the breast and firm pressure for the deep tissue at the base of the breast preferably in a circular motion following an up and down pattern.

2. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side i.e from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to the cleavage. You can also begin at the nipple moving in larger circles till you reach the outer edge of the breast (close to the rib cage).

3. Repeat the same procedure with the left hand beneath the head and your right hand examining the left breast.

STEP 3: IN THE SHOWER.

Many women find it easier to feel their breasts when its wet and slippery. While in the shower (standing, sitting or lying down), examine the breasts following the steps mentioned in step 1 above.

It is advised in your best interest, that, when any sign of lump is felt in any of the breasts, you should not keep it all to yourself. Once noticed, visit your doctor or an hospital near you for a mammogram check up immediately.

CAN I RELY ON BREAST SELF-EXAMS ALONE TO BE SURE I AM BREAST CANCER FREE?

Mammography can detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection. But when combined with regular medical care and appropriate guideline-recommended mammography, breast self-exams can help women know what is normal for them so they can report any changes to their healthcare provider.

Article by AHMED DAMILOLA.