It is easier to treat breast cancer if it is found early enough and chances of survival are increased.
Regular breast examination from your doctor and mammograms are effective in detecting the disease and can save lives.
Although it is controversial, some experts recommend self-examination once a month to look for changes and lumps.
Self-examination is not a substitute for medical screenings and there are limitations with it; however, it can keep you in tune with your health and can contribute to early detection.
The Examination
The best time to examine the breast is 3-5 days after a period.
Firstly- Lie on your back.
Placing your right hand behind your head, with the middle fingers of your left hand examine the entire right breast.
With fingertips together press down using small circular motions. Feel for any lumps or thickness. Make sure you cover the entire breast.
Next-While sitting or standing examine the arm pit. Check for any discharge by gently squeezing the nipple.
Repeat the above process for the left breast, by placing the left hand behind your head and using the middle fingers of your right hand.
Next- Stand in front of the mirror with your arms by your side. Look directly at the breasts ( In the mirror) for changes in texture.
Check for any abnormal texture, shape or contour such as:
- Orange peel skin
- Puckering
- Indentations
- Nipple turning inward
- Dimpling
Discuss any changes or concerns with your doctor right away.
Further you can participate in reducing health risk factors that cause non-communicable diseases such as cancer.
There is consumer health education program that prepares people to develop healthy lifestyles that would protect them from diseases. Whether you have regular breast examinations or not, the tutorials will enable you to protect yourselves from breast and other cancers.
Click here to learn about it.
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