Although breast self-examination is not known to have
contributed in terms of reducing the number of deaths from breast cancer , is
still an optional way to become more familiar with your breasts so that you can
easily identify the significant changes that may take place inside . Breast
self-examination helps to understand a woman's breasts so completely that even
a slight change in the pattern can be identified . Breast self-examination is
usually focused on the ability to feel the thick lumps , unusual changes in
breast appearance , surface thickening , nipple discharge and the usual
dimpling , wrinkling and changes in breast texture and color . A point to note
is that breast self-examination can also lead to panic if a few lumps are felt
, however , could be due to hormonal changes as well , so feel a small lump
does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer . That is why it is advisable
for women to perform BSE few days after their menstrual cycle ends . For women
who do not menstruate , you can select a particular day and do BSE on the same
day every month .
Methods to Perform
Breast Self-Examination
Statistics show that the
majority of cancer tumors ( 41 % ) are found in the upper outer quadrant of the
breast . For a better understanding , you can divide your breast into 4
sections . Next comes the area behind the nipple where 34 % of cancer tumor is found
. 14 % of them are found in the upper quadrant , followed by 6 % of cases where
the tumor is found in the outer quadrant , and ultimately , lower inner
quadrant accounts for 5 % . That's why you have to use the technique to be able
to thoroughly inspect every part of your bust along with the armpit and upper
chest . All of these parts can be thoroughly checked with the help of the
following techniques .
BSE in Front of the
Mirror
Breast self-examination(BSE) involves the visual and manual examination
of your breasts . BSE in front of the mirror covers most parts of the visual
inspection of the evaluation . Here is what you need to do .
v Stand in front of the mirror without
clothes on the upper body . Make sure you can clearly see your breasts in the
mirror , if not , adjust the mirrors and the corresponding position .
v Just relax your arms on the side and
watched both of your breasts carefully . It's okay if they are not the same
size . It is very common in most women .
v Try to observe the changes in your breasts
in terms of shape , size , changes in skin texture , wrinkles , discoloration ,
sores or dimpling , either on the skin of the breast and nipple .
v The next step will be to put your hands on
your hips . This position tends to contract the muscles of the chest wall ,
thus increasing changes in the breast more clearly .
v Again, check for changes such as dimpling
, wrinkling , scaling or discoloration . Any kind of changes observed must be
considered .
v Stand aside to inspect the area outside
both your breasts and once again , see the changes .
v The next thing to do is to bend forward
toward the mirror , simultaneously rolling elbow and shoulder forward . Now
looking for a change in the contour and shape of your breasts . Also standing
sideways leaned forward to inspect the outside of both of your breasts.
v Raise your arms slightly and examine your
armpit area . Press firmly to feel a lump or clot.
BSE While Lying Flat
Another , and the most effective approach to observe the
changes in the breast along with the particular disorder is breast
self-examination while lying down . When you lie down , your breast tissue
tends to be evenly distributed across your chest that makes it easier to feel
and examine thoroughly the breast . Here is what you need to do .
v Without any wear on the upper body , lying
on a flat surface , place a pillow under your right hand side.
v Place your right arm behind your head and
use the fingers of the left hand to examine the right breast.
v Use the finger pads second, third and
fourth you to feel your right breast lump .
v You need to rotate the pads of your
fingers in small circular motions to feel the breast tissue . Use light
pressure to feel the breast tissue closest to the skin , the average pressure
to feel the tissue a little deeper , and firm pressure to feel the tissue
closest to the chest .
v Use patterns of vertical or up and down to
check every part of the breast . You can also draw an imaginary line and divide
your breasts into sections similar to a clock , and a clockwise checking each
slice in a vertical motion . Many experts also recommend doing it in a circular
motion , always in constant touch with your breasts , without losing contact .
v After checking every part of the breast ,
the next step will check the nipple . Pressing them gently and check if there
is any discharge . Feel beneath the nipple area and looking for a change .
v Repeat the same steps for your left breast
with the finger pads of your right hand .
v If you are not sure about the amount of
pressure you need to register , or if you feel some unusual lumps in the breast
, consult with your doctor or nurse immediately to complete your request .
BSE While Taking a
Shower
It becomes easier to
perform breast self-examination while taking a bath as your fingers and breasts
soap and wet , wet make movement easier . The goal remains the same , the only
difference is that you check your breasts under the shower . Here is what you
need to do .
v First , you need to raise your right arm ,
preferably , keep your right arm behind your head.
v Use the fingers of the second , third and
fourth of your left hand to feel your right breast.
v You can go to a small circular motion or
use a vertical pattern to check every part of your bust by dividing it into
sections like slices hours.
v Look for changes that have been mentioned
previously.
v Repeat the same procedure for the left
breast.
Some women find their
breasts feel a bit awkward , however , need to keep close observation on them
in order to identify changes that might actually be early signs of breast
cancer . If you are not sure about the changes that you feel, you can also ask
your partner , or close friend , or relative to help you perform this procedure
. Talking to your health specialist recommended for doubt , and of course , you
can also visit a health specialist to do a check on your absolutely sure.
Information By:keepourlive.blogspot.com
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