10 minutes. Once A month. Fight Breast Cancer. A breast self-examination is a technique which allows an individual to examine their breast tissue for any physical or visual changes. It involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling. Ladies should have a breast self-examination at least once a month and a clinical breast examination at least once a year. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Although most lumps or changes in the breast are normal when you are a teen, check with your doctor if you have a new lump. A well-fitting bra can helps avert breast discomfort, back pain, and shoulder pain. Its important to know how your breasts look & feel normally so you will be able to tell if something changes. You may want to begin doing a self-breast exam every month about the same time from your late teens. Remember, some lumps are normal, but if you are worried at any time, talk to your doctor. Another great time to do an exam is the day you see your doctor for a check-up, and he or she has said that your breasts are healthy. Here is how to do a 3-part breast self-exam that takes only a few minutes. Lying down: First, place a pillow under your right shoulder. Next, put your right hand under your head. Check your entire right breast area with the pads of the fingers of your left hand. Use small circles to feel all around your breast, then feel up-and-down: You should feel the area from your collarbone down and in to your chest bone and around the side to underneath your armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of your breast. You should be able to feel deep down close to your ribs, and closer to the surface of your breast. Gently squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge. Switch arms and repeat these steps on your left breast. In front of a mirror: Look in the mirror (without wearing your bra) then check for any changes in the shape or the look of your breasts. Note any skin or nipple changes such as dimpling, rashes, bruising, bumps, redness or nipple discharge. Look at your breasts in four steps: arms at sides, arms overhead, hands on hips pressing firmly to flex chest muscles, and bending forward. In the shower: With soapy hands and fingers flat, raise your right arm. Check your right breast. Use the same small circles and up-and-down pattern described above in the Lying Down position. Switch arms and repeat on your left breast. If after above steps, you notice anything you are not clear about, please see your doctor immediately for clarifications. Reference Cancer Aware Nigeria www.youngwomenshealth.org Contact us: 08099083068 or office@bobmedicare.com
