October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Join us as we spread awareness and help uplift the women in need.
There are three ways women are examined for breast cancer.
1) Clinical Exam
2) Mammogram
3) Ultrasound
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Also, it may be helpful to get your partner involved by having them check for any lumps while engaging in sexual activity. There have been some cases where the partners told the individual they felt a lump in their breast.
How Should a Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?
1) In the shower
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes.
2) In front of a mirror
Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.
3) Lying down
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
