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Ezine - February 2005
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A Simple Routine That
Could Save Your Life
By Fiona Gordon
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Most breast lumps are discovered by women themselves.
Although the majority of lumps are non-cancerous, early
detection saves lives.
Premenopausal women should examine their breasts the week
following menstruation each month when the breasts are the
least swollen and tender.
Women who no longer menstruate can pick one day of each
month for self-examination.
Step 1
While standing in front of a mirror, with your hands on
your hips, visually examine your breasts. Look for lumps,
changes in size, colour, shape or contour. Look for dimples
or puckering. Are your nipples normally inverted? If not,
look to see if they are pushed in.
Step 2
Repeat this portion of the examination with your hands
behind your head.
Step 3
Next, press each nipple, checking for discharge.
Step 4
Lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder and
place your left hand under your head. With the fingers of
your right hand flattened and together, press the top
portion of the left breast. Using circular motions, feel for
lumps and thickening. In other words, think of your breast
as the face of a clock. With the top of the breast as 12
o'clock, move around the outer portion of the breast
clockwise. Once you have returned to 12, move the fingers
closer to the nipple and repeat.
Seventy-five percent of breast cancer occurs under the
nipple-areola region or in the upper, outer portion of the
breast near the armpit, so make sure you thoroughly examine
these areas.
Step 5
Once you have checked the entire surface of the left
breast, move the pillow and examine the right breast with
the left hand.
Step 6
Using the same small, circular motions examine the area
adjacent to your breast in the armpit. This area also
contains breast tissue. (Note: A breast self-exam can
also be performed during a shower or bath.)
Step 7
If you detect thickening or a lump, contact your doctor
immediately. Most lumps are benign, but only a doctor can
determine that for sure.
By performing a breast self-exam every month, you will
become familiar with how your breasts normally look and
feel. This will help make abnormalities easier to detect.
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| Fiona Gordon is a Business Manager and
National Educator for Vincent Davianny in Australia and New
Zealand. Fiona has many years experience in the beauty
industry, as an owner of salons, and with international
training and experience. She brings to our industry a wealth
of resources on health and wellbeing, and also on salon
management. Fiona can be contacted at
www.vincentdavianny.com.au |
