How to Check If You Have Breast Cancer
This month being Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to encourage women to do their monthly self exams. Take it from someone who found a lump in their breast that turned out to be malignant. It is important!
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Instructions
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Finding the right time of the month is important because breast shape will change after a woman's period begins. The premenstrual time causes breasts to be a bit swollen and sometimes more sensitive. It is good to do your self exam after your period begins.
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The place you do it doesn't really matter. You could be in the shower or lying on the bed or couch. You want to make sure the arm near the breast you are examining is extended out from your side or lifted up and back.
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Beginning with the outside perimeter of the breast, use small circular motions as you encircle the breast with different pressures making sure to cover the entire area and depths of the breast as you move up to the nipple area. It is also suggested that going straight up and down from the top of the breast to the bottom can be beneficial in finding lumps. Also, slightly squeeze the nipple to see if any discharge emerges.
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Repeat the steps with the other breast.
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If you feel an unfamiliar lump, please make an appointment to see your doctor to have it examined. You do not want to wait. Besides, even if it is nothing, you will gain peace of mind. If it is something, it is so better to catch it as soon as possible.
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Don't forget to schedule your yearly mammogram after turning 40!
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to do your self examination every month. This will also help you know your breast shape and what feels normal and what doesn't.
The best defense is offense in fighting breast cancer.
If you find something you're unsure of in your breast, don't panic! Just call your doctor and make an appointment to have them check it out.
Resources
- Photo Credit Image courtesy of blog.americanfeast.com
