Breast Self Examinations:

IN THE SHOWER:

• Put one hand behind your head
• With the finger pads of your three middle finger, move your hand over the entire breast area
• Use the right hand for the left breast and vice versa
• Use a circle pattern, an up and down pattern, or start from the nipple as you press down and move fingers out and in.  Choose the pattern that you and your healthcare professional find to be the best.  Do it the same way each time.
• Check for lumps, knots or thickenings
• Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately

IN FRONT OF A MIRROR:

• With your hands firmly pressing down on your hips, check for changes in the shape, size, or skin texture of your breasts.  Then raise your arms over your head and check again.
• Note any skin dimpling, swelling or redness.
• Check for changes in your nipples or unusual discharge
• Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately

LYING DOWN:

• Place a pillow or a towel under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head
• Using your left hand, follow the same technique as in the shower 
• Lower your right arm slightly and with your left hand, check your right underarm
• Check for lumps, knots, or thickenings
• Repeat on the other side
• Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately

-from the American Cancer Society

What to expect in a mammogram:

-I swear if men had to do this with their testicles, they would never agree to it and their would be an even larger outbreak in testicular cancer

Admittedly, it is not a good time (or a pleasant feeling), but it should not hurt.

• First you stand beside the machine with your shirt and bra off
• The technologist will help you to place your breast on a plastic plate (without even a hint of foreplay)
• A second piece of plastic is then placed on top- for a few seconds, the top piece of plastic is pushed down thus flattening the breast like a pancake in order to get a good, clear picture
• There are generally two pictures taken of each breast (something to think about for your Christmas cards for those that send pictures of their children every year)
• The whole thing takes roughly 15 minutes

Common Myths:

• Only Women Get Breast Cancer
• Only Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer are at Risk
• Breast Cancer is Mainly a Genetic Disease
• Older Women are Less Likely to Get Breast Cancer Than Younger Women
• Breast Cancer is Contagious
• All Breast Lumps are Cancerous
• A Woman with Lumpy Breasts is at High Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
• Small-Breasted Women Cannot Get Breast Cancer
• Fibrocystic Change Increases a Woman’s Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
• Drinking Coffee Increases a Woman’s Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
• Antiperspirants are a Leading Cause of Breast Cancer
• Pesticides, Lawn Chemicals, and/or Dry Cleaning Services Cause Breast Cancer
• If a Woman is Diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS), She Will Get Breast Cancer
• Breast-Feeding Causes Breast Cancer
• Nipple Discharge Indicates Breast Cancer
• Under-wire Bras Cause Breast Cancer
• An Injury to the Breast Causes Cancer
• Oral Contraceptive Pills (Birth Control Pills) Cause Breast Cancer [2]

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

2 MAIN TYPES:

• cyclical - directly related to the menstrual cycle
• non-cyclical - unrelated to menstruation.
• Both types are treatable and on their own are not normally a symptom of breast cancer
• If you have breast pain that is severe or long lasting, talk to your doctor [2].

REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDED READINGS

1. General information, care, and statistics found here:

     http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php

2. General information, care, and statistics found here:

    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

or call:  1-800-ACS-2345



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