Although October is coming to an end, I feel I have to apologise for been the last to post on Breast Cancer Awareness. I feel satisfied though because I got some people that wanted help on self examination and I graciously helped out. I feel bad for not posting on my blog. I am sorry to Ihsan because she took her time to draw a Breast Cancer pinky winky, I ended up been late. I am sorry!!!
You must have heard and/or read a lot of stories on cancer. Sad and touching! The struggles and pains. It is death in another package. Death in disguise.
Even though cancer affects the elderly (35-*) than the youths, it is never too late to learn how to go about BSE(Breast Self Examination) and never very late to help in creating awareness for a better tomorrow.
Cancer doesn't lead to death when detected at an early stage. It affects females than males and the most common which is breast cancer.
Below are the guidelines and a do it yourself or rather Breast Self Examination guideline in a snap.
Pain in your breast that isn't related to your
period?
A new lump, bump, or other change in your breast?
A red, hot, or swollen breast
fluid or bloody discharge from your nipple
a lump in your armpit or near your collarbone?
Breast Self Examination(BSE).
Hands on Hips
In the privacy of your bathroom, strip to the waist and stand before a mirror. You will need to see both breasts at the same time. Stand with your hands on your hips and check the appearance of your breasts. Look at size, shape, and contour. Note changes, if any, in the skin color or texture. Look at the nipples and areolas, to see how healthy they look.
Arms Over Your Head
Still standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms over your head and see if your breasts move in the same way, and note any differences. Look at size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry. Pay attention to your nipples and areolas, to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction (indentation). Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are (lower armpit area).
Stand and Stroke
Raise your left arm overhead, and use your right-hand fingers to apply gentle pressure to the left breast. Stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area. You can also use a circular motion, being sure to cover the entire breast area. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat. This is best done in the shower, as wet skin will have the least resistance to the friction of your fingers.
Check Your Nipples
Photo Courtesy of National Cancer Institute
Still facing the mirror, lower both arms. With the index and middle fingers of your right hand, gently squeeze the left nipple and pull forward. Does the nipple spring back into place? Does it pull back into the breast? Note whether or not any fluid leaks out. Reverse your hands and check the right nipple in the same way.
Recline and Stroke
This is best done in your bedroom, where you can lie down. Place a pillow on the bed so that you can lie with both your head and shoulders on the pillow. Lie down and put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as you did in step 4. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat.
Mark your calendar to remind yourself to do your BSE regularly. Stay relaxed and breathe normally as you do your BSE. Becoming tense will produce some knots that you may mistake for something worrisome.
Report any changes or unusual pain to your doctor or nurse.
Reference...www.breastcancer.about.com
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