Breast Cancer: Early Detection is Essential
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an occasion set aside to drive home the message that the key to preventing breast cancer deaths is early detection and treatment. Women must help ensure early detection by doing three things faithfully: annual physician exams, yearly mammograms after age 40 and monthly breast self-exams.
STEP ONE: LYING DOWN
Feel for a hard lump, thickening or any change in your breast tissue. These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.
STEP TWO: IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR
Look for changes in the shape, size or appearance of your breasts. Look for dimpling, rash or puckering of the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or any change from normal. Inspect your breasts in four steps:
For more information about breast health or breast cancer, please call the Komen National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline (1.800.462.9273) or visit their Web site, www.Komen.org. The Komen Foundation does not provide medical advice.
© 2004 The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
How to do a Breast Self-Exam
Just as your period ends (or at the same time each month if you don’t have periods), check for any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts. Report any changes to your doctor or nurse. Go for regular breast exams and ask about a mammogram.STEP ONE: LYING DOWN
Feel for a hard lump, thickening or any change in your breast tissue. These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.
- Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder
- Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast
- Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion
- Follow an up and down pattern
- Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit area
- Repeat on your left breast using your right hand
STEP TWO: IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR
Look for changes in the shape, size or appearance of your breasts. Look for dimpling, rash or puckering of the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or any change from normal. Inspect your breasts in four steps:
- Hold arms at your sides
- Hold arms over your head
- Press your hands on your hips to tighten your chest muscles
- Bend forward with your hands on your hips
For more information about breast health or breast cancer, please call the Komen National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline (1.800.462.9273) or visit their Web site, www.Komen.org. The Komen Foundation does not provide medical advice.
© 2004 The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
