How to Perform a BreastSelf-Exam?

Dear All ! Greetings!

Today Breast Cancer is an one of the deadliest in the women world!

My wife Esmin died of this one Last August 14' 2008, 17 days before of our First Wedding Anniversary! She is just 31 years! So, I'm writing this to help the women world to protect their Precious Breasts!

To perform a breast self-exam, follow the steps described below.

In the mirror:-

1. Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a
well-lit room.
i. Look at your breasts.
ii. Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape.
Most women's breasts aren't.
iii.With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes
inshape or position, or any changes to the skin of the breasts.
iv.Look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores or discoloration.
v .Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling or change in the
direction of the nipples.

2. Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to
tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts.
Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer part of your
breasts.

3. Then bend forward toward the mirror.
i. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest
muscles.Your breasts will fall forward.
ii. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.

4. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.
Again, turnfrom side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions.
Remember to inspect the border underneath your breasts. You may
need to lift yourbreasts with your hand to see this area.

5. i. Check your nipples for discharge (fluid).
ii.Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple
and pull outward toward the end of the nipple.Look for any discharge.

Repeat on your other breast.

In the shower:-

6. Now, it's time to feel for changes in the breast. It is helpful to have
your hands slippery with soap and water.
i. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area.
ii. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to
feel in the left armpit.

Repeat on theother side.

7. Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your
collar bone.

8. With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the
breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to
press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern along the
breast, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until
you have covered the entire breast.

Repeat on the other side.

Lying down:-

9. Next, lie down andplace a small pillow or folded towel under your right
shoulder. Put yourright hand behind your head. Place your left hand on
the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat.
Body lotion mayhelp to make this part of the exam easier.

10.Think of your breast as a face on a clock.
i. Start at 12 o'clock and move toward 1 o'clock insmall circular
motions. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o'clock
again.
ii.Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast.When
the circle is complete, move in one inch toward the nipple and
complete another circle around the clock.
Continue in this pattern until you've felt the entire breast.
Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.

11. i. Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple.
ii. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes.
iii.Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.
iv.Repeat steps 9, 10 and 11 on your other breast.

Interestingly,cancerous tumors are more likely to be found in
certain parts of the breast over others.
If you divide the breast into 4 sections, the approximate percentage
of breast cancers found in each area are (inclockwise pattern):

41% upper, outer quadrant
14% upper, inner quadrant
5% lower, inner quadrant
6% lower, outer quadrant

34% in the area behind the nipple Almost half occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, towards the armpit.

Some physicians refer to this region as the "tail" of the breast and encourage women to examine it closely.

I hope this information is an useful for your health and your loved one too!

Enjoy your health and take care!!

With love

Bro.Anthuvan