22/08/2016
Ladies
MONTHLY SELF BREAST EXAM
WHEN SHOULD I DO IT?
3 - 5 days after your period starts.
WHAT IF IM IN MENOPAUSE ALREADY?
Do exam on the same day every month.
STEPS:
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is important in detecting breast cancer early. It is done once a month, a week after a woman’s monthly period. Through BSE, a woman becomes familiar with the usual appearance
and feel of her breasts. This way, she can easily tell any change and consult a doctor immediately.
Before A Mirror
1. Stand before a mirror with your arms at your side. Inspect your breast for any changes in the size, shape, and contour. Check for swelling, dimpling, or puckering of the skin. Gently squeeze each ni**le and check for any discharge.
2. Put your hands on your hips and press down firmly, elbows out. Repeat the inspection.
3. Raise your arms over your head and repeat the inspection. Normally, your left breast and right breast will not be exactly the same. It is not very often that a woman’s breasts are totally the same. Through regular inspection, you will know what is normal for you.
In The Shower
1. Your hands will move easier over wet skin. It is therefore easier for you to examine your breast during a bath or shower.
2. Use your right hand to examine your left breast, and your left hand for your right breast.
3. Keep your fingers flat. Move them gently in circular motions over every part of each breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening.
Lying Down
1. Lie flat on your back. Place a pillow
or folded towel under your left shoulder. Put your left arm under your head.
2. Press gently but firmly your flattened fingers to breast and move in circular motions.
3. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening.
Breast Clock Examination
This is a methodical way of checking your breast for any lump, hard knot, or thickening.
1. Imagine your breast as a clock.
Start at the outermost part of your breast or the 12 o’clock position. Then move on to the 1 o’clock position and so on around the imaginary clock face until you are back to the 12 o’clock position.
2. Examine every part of your breast. You will need to make at least 3 circles to complete the examination on one breast.
3. Move hand over breast in a downward and upward motion. Check for any irregularity.
4. Squeeze the ni**le of each breast between thumb and fore/first finger. Report any discharge to a doctor right away.
WHAT IF I FEEL SOMETHING DIFFERENT (Lump, Discharge, etc):
• Consult a doctor, he/she may request a mammogram for you to confirm the presence of the lump.
(Photo from ADAM)
