MONTHLY BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
To be done same time every month,7-10 days before the start of your period if menstruating. If not, use a fixed day every month.
There are a number of recognized methods for examining
your breasts. One way is using the clock method.Pretend your breast is a clock.
Using
the flat pads of your fingers, press gently but firmly in small overlapping circles,
starting at 12 o'clock, right below the collarbone and moving to the nipple. Do not miss
an 'hour'. Another method would be to examine the breast in concentric circles starting at
the nipple.
Carefully examine the area between the breast and the
armpit as that area also contains breast tissue.
Examine every part of the breast. Repeat with other
breast. Whichever method you choose, it is important to be consistent.
IN THE SHOWER:
Raise one
arm. With fingers flat and soapy, touch every part of each breast, as shown, gently
feeling for a lump or thickening. Use your right hand to examine the left breast and your
left hand to examine the right breast.
BEFORE A MIRROR:
With arms
at your sides, then raised above your head, look carefully for changes in the size, shape
and contour of each breast. Look for puckering , dimpling, or changes in skin texture,
color, or rashes. Check for changes in the nipple such as, whether they have become
pulled in.
LYING DOWN:
You must
also examine your breasts lying down. To balance the breast on the chest, place a towel or
pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head. Examine your right
breast with your left hand. Repeat on other side.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU FIND ANY CHANGES OR ABNORMALITIES AND SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM IF YOU ARE OVER 40 YEARS OF AGE.
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