Five Steps of a Breast Self Exam

In this post, I would like to share with you, the five steps of a breast self-exam. How to conduct them. I hope you will find useful.

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here's what you should look for: Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention: Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out) Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling	Breast Self-Exam - Step 1
Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.	Breast Self-Exam - Steps 2 and 3
Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood). Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.	Breast Self-Exam - Step 4
Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.	Breast Self-Exam - Step

Taken from Breast Cancer.Org

Dispel the Myths

The following are the Myths:

• Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer

If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. However, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, and scheduling regular mammograms.

• Men do not get breast cancer

Quite the contrary. Each year it is estimated that approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also give themselves regular breast self-exams and note any changes to their physicians.

• A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread

A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

• Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it

While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.

• Breast cancer is contagious

You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body.However, you can protect yourself by being aware of the risk factors and following an early detection plan.

• Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can help you prevent breast cancer

While alterations in these genes in men and women can predispose an individual to an increased risk of breast cancer, only 5% to 10% of patients actually have this mutation. This is not an absolute correlation. Like your age or having a family history of breast cancer, it's a factor you just can't control. But you can let your physician know, perform regular breast self-exams, and focus on the fact your chances of not having this disease are greater than 90%.

• Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

Our Profile

The Breast Cancer Support Group was established on 16^th September 2001 on the initiative of breast cancer survivors, volunteers and medical professionals. It is a non profit-making support group aim in helping women who are suffering from breast cancer. The Group was officially registered on 14^th October 2004.

The main objective of the Group is to provide survivors and their families with emotional support, counselling, and correct information and to help achieve maximum recovery physically, psychologically and cosmetically. It is also a support base for women to share with each other their experience and assist one another with their concerns, fears, frustrations and understanding of the disease and the various treatments available.

Aims and Objectives

· To provide an avenue in supporting each other of their personal experience.

· To help patients overcome the initial psychological shock and emotional trauma following mastectomy or wide-local excision (partial mastectomy/lumpectomy).

· To give information on rehabilitation and coping strategies after breast cancer operation.

· To allay unfounded fears and rumours of the disease.

· To share information on dealing with family members, work colleagues, post-breast surgery exercises, helpful hints on breast prosthesis and alternative dressing costumes.

· To encourage new patients to attend monthly support group meetings.

· To heighten awareness of breast cancer as a major health illness amongst women.

· To promote public education in particular women about health care and breast disease through road shows to schools, civil and private organisations.

The Breast Cancer Support Group hopes that more breast cancer survivors and volunteers will come forward to join and support the cause of the Group in Encouraging, Educate and Support the ever increasing breast cancer patients in this country.

Through this blog, we hope we can continue to educate and at the same time seek your continued support in our work.