BREAST
SELF EXAMINATION
INTRODUCTION
Breast
self examination is a process whereby women check their breasts to
identify any abnormal changes that might occur.
Breast
self examination is important for detecting breast cancer. Other
conditions which can be detected in the breasts include fatty tissue and
other non-cancerous lumps, blocked milk ducts, old scar tissue from breast
abscesses, or the fullness and tenderness many women have in their breasts
shortly before the period starts.
This
booklet will show you how you should perform breast self-examination at
home and what signs you should be looking for.
When
and how often you should examine your breasts?
You
should examine your breasts at least once every month, preferably one week
after your period when the breasts are soft. If you are no longer having
your period, choose any day in the month that will help you remember. It
is important that you do the examination regularly as it will help you
become familiar with your breasts and knowing what is normal for you. You
can examine your breasts in the bath, shower, lying down or when dressing.
What
to look for when you are examining your breasts?
When
you do breast self examination you are looking for the following:
·
Appearance of
the breasts
·
Feelings of
discomfort or pain
·
Lumps, thickening
or bumpy areas in the breast
·
Nipple
change
Breast-self
examination
·
Undress to the
waist and sit or stand in front of a mirror with your arms hanging
loosely
·
Look at your
breasts carefully for any change in shape, size, puckering of the
skin or nipples turning in.
·
Look under the
breasts as well
·
Turn from side to
side and look at the breasts
·
Raise your arms
and look at the breasts again especially your nipples
·
Put your hands on
your waist
·
Press until you
feel the tightening of the muscles under the breasts
·
Look for the
puckering skin
·
Lie down on a bed
or flat surface
·
Fold a towel or
use a pillow. Place it under your left shoulder
·
Place your left
hand behind your head
·
Think of your
breast as divided into four quarters
·
Use your right
hand to feel the left breast
·
Using the inside
of your fingers placed together feel all over the upper outer
quarter
·
Do not use the
tip of the fingers
·
Press gently to
feel any lump or thickening
·
Work towards the
nipple. Feel around the nipple too
·
Feel the lower
outer quarter all over
·
Feel the lower
inner quarter all over
·
Feel the upper
inner quarter all over
·
Lower your left
arm down
·
Feel under the
arm
·
Express the
nipple for any unusual discharge
·
To examine
right breast repeat these instructions
WARNING
SIGNS
IF
YOU FIND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SEE A NURSE OR DOCTOR:
1.
An unusual lump or thickening
2.
Discharge from the nipple
3.
A change in shape of the breast
4.
Unusual turning in of the nipple
5.
Pain or discomfort not felt before
Many
women will have these signs and symptoms and it won’t necessarily be
cancer.
On
the other hand if it is a cancer, and is detected early, it can be
successfully treated. If you have difficulty in the following these
instructions, ask the nurse or doctor to help you.
YOUR
HEALTH- YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. PROTECT IT
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