Proper breast examination

 Proper breast examination

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women. Every woman should know the proper examination of their breasts. Your life depends on it.

1. While bathing, raise the right arm. Use the fingertips of the left hand to rub your right breast. What we are looking for are cysts or round like holen under the breast. Sometimes only a mongoose can dig. Then raise the left arm and examine the left breast. If you have a suspicious lump, consult a doctor.

2. Stand in front of the mirror and place the arm on the side of the body. Look closely at each breast if it is the same size and shape. Look at the nipple area and its surroundings (the nipple and areola). Check for redness, wrinkles or leaking fluid. These can be bad omens. Then raise and place both hands behind your head. Repeat the observation on your breast.

3. Now lie down on a flat bed. Raise the right arm and place the hand over the head. Use the left hand to touch the right breast. From the side of the breast use the fingers to press the breast around. Start with the nipple and gradually round the bigger and bigger. Do not forget: rub the armpit. If you have breast cancer, there is usually a lump in your armpit. These are lymph nodes. Then do the other breast.

Breast examination should be done every month, if possible before menstruation and after menstruation. Sometimes there are lumps that feel before menstruation (due to our hormones) and lose menstruation. Consult a doctor if you have a lump.

For women, do not forget your check-up every year. Get a breast exam at your obstetrician (OB) and have a Pap’s smear. Breast screening starts at age 20 and older, and Pap’s smear is when a woman is having sex or age 30 or older.