October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates that 43,700 people (43,300 women and 400 men) will die from breast cancer this year. Although the cause and cure of this disease remain unknown, research indicates that early detection resulting from annual mammograms and weekly self-exams can lead to a better chance of survival.
Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder to flatten your right breast.
2
Put your right arm behind your head.
3
Place your left hand on your right breast, and press with the pads of three fingers.
4
Move your hand over the area in a circle. Be sure to include the armpit.
5
Put a pillow under your left shoulder and repeat steps 2 through 4 to check your left breast with your right hand.
6
Examine your breasts in front of a mirror. Note any changes in appearance.
7
Contact your doctor right away if you find any lumps, swellings, dimplings, skin irritations, distortions, scaliness, thickenings, retraction of the nipples or other changes.
Tips & Warnings
The best time to do a self-exam is about a week after your period begins.
Apply powder, lotion or oil to your breasts to make it easier to move your fingers over the surface of your skin.
Checking your breasts regularly is the key - with practice, you will know how your breasts normally feel and can easily detect changes.
For the most thorough self-exam, ask your health care provider to teach you how to examine yourself.
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but they should be checked by a doctor anyway. The maxim "better safe than sorry" is especially true in dealing with breast cancer.
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