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your health |
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Take Care of Yourself - Safeguarding Against Breast Cancer (part 2)
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As we saw last week, regular Breast Self Exams (BSE) are
the first line of defense against breast cancer. The earlier abnormalities are detected,
the greater the chance of survival.
Regularity in performing exams is important to ensure
familiarity with the normal texture of breast tissue. Pregnancy, impending menstruation,
and perimenopause hormonal changes may make breast tissue more tender or lumpy
than usual. Not every lump is cancerous, but it is critical to seek medical attention
everytime something just doesn't feel "right".
The best time to perform BSEs are 2-3 days after your period. If your menstual
cycle is irregular, choose the same date each month to perform exams. Talk to your care
provider for help in deciding when you should do your exams.
Breast Self Exam Steps
- Lying down
- place a pillow under your right shoulder, and your right hand under
your head.
- check the breast tissue using a circular, rubbing motion without
lifting the fingers.
- vary pressure of your fingers to examine the different layers of breast
tissue.
- light pressure : enough to move the skin, but not the underlying layers
- medium pressure : checks the mid layer of tissue
- deep pressure : press almost to the ribs, just short of causing
discomfort
- use one of the three techniques for your examination (remember to
include the underarm tissue in your exam)
- lines : start in the underarm area and lower your fingers until they
are below the breast, move back upwards toward the middle. Use
this up and down movement over the entire breast area.
- circles : start at the outer edge of your breast, moving your fingers
slowly around the breast in a circle. Examine the breast in smaller and
smaller circles, moving toward the nipple.
- wedges : at the outer edge of the breast, move your fingers toward the
nipple and back to the edge in a V shape motion. Perform the same
movement around the entire breast.
- Standing in the Shower (follow the same techniques outlined above)
- Mirror Exam
- with arms lowered to your sides, look for any dimpling, puckering or
other abnormality.
- look for any discharge from both nipples
Contact your health provider or American Cancer Society
for additional information on BSE. Next week, we'll take a look at foods that may help
protect you from Breast Cancer. In the meantime, be well.
all the best,
Catie
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