There are three methods recommended by the American Cancer Society in the efforts to detect breast cancer tumors in their earliest, most treatable stages: annual mammograms, annual physical exams,and monthly breast self-examinations (BSE). Beginning at age 20, the ACS recommends women conduct a monthly BSE in order to observe any changes in how the breasts look and feel.
Beginning the Examination
Begin by lying on your back and pulling your arm behind your head. This will make the breast tissue spread more evenly over the chest wall. Then, using your left three middle fingers, apply dime-sized circular motions to feel the breast tissue. Move around the breast in an up and down pattern, first using light pressure, then increasing the pressure. Use each pressure level at each spot before moving to the next.
Coverage
Examine the breast from the underarm to across the breast, down the middle of the chest, over to the ribs and back up again. Repeat the same movements on the left breast, using the right hand finger pads instead.
Note any changes, such as lumps or ripples in the skin, and make an appointment with your physician to discuss these changes in appearance.
Standing Evaluation
After you have completed your self-exam while lying down, stand up and look at your breasts in the mirror, observing them for any changes in size, shape, contour or dimpling. If the nipple has changed in color or the skin looks different in appearance, note this as well.
Lastly, raise your arms above your head and examine the underarm tissue to see if there are any lumps or bumps in the armpit.
Should I Worry?
Most lumps felt during a BSE are found not to be cancerous but may be helpful in evaluating any changes that could be cancer-related. Also, if you observe lumpiness in one breast, yet the other breast feels about the same, this occurrence is more than likely normal.
If you experience any redness, warmth, swelling or pain in the breasts, these symptoms can also indicate breast cancer and your physician should be notified.
Tags: breast cancer, breast down, breast tissue, your head, your physician
