Ladies of all ages, listen up. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. Gynecologists often remind their patients to breast self-exams, but how often do you actually take that preventative measure? We're guessing it's not once a month, as recommended by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
This is not a matter to take lightly. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected not by doctors, but by women who feel a lump in their breast. So don't sit idly. Be active in your health. Start today by taking 15 minutes to follow these 5 steps for a comprehensive breast self-exam.
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1. Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms at your sides. Look at the size, shape, and color of your breasts. Do you see any abnormalities? Check for dimpling, puckering, and bulging of the skin, as well as inverted nipples, redness, and swelling.
2. Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes as in step 1.
3. Look for any type of fluid coming out of one or both nipples.
4. Lay down and using your right hand, feel your left breast, and then right breast with your left hand. Keep your fingers flat and together, and using the finger pads, draw firm, smooth, circular motions the size of a quarter across the entire breast. Work from the collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from the armpits to the cleavage. Following a pattern may help you ensure you cover the entire breast. Use light, medium, and hard pressure at all points on the breast in order to feel all layers of the tissue.
5. Lastly, repeat step 4 while sitting or standing. It may be easiest to perform this part of the exam when you are in the shower and the skin is wet.
If you see or feel anything unusual, don't panic. The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous, but it is necessary to call your doctor. Women's health care is important. Don't wait. Be proactive.
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The best time to perform a breast self-exam is a few days after your menstrual period or the day you begin hormone replacement therapy, says Woman's Hospital. So go ahead, set a calendar reminder every month a few days after your period should end. Make it a habit. Take control of your health.
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