How to do the self check for breast cancer

-Breast cancer is often noticed first by women themselves
-80 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50
-A mammogram (breast x-ray) is desirable after the age of 50.
- During pregnancy and breast feeding, the breasts get much larger and firmer as the number of milk-producing cells increases.
- The nipples become darker and may remain that way after you've given birth.
- Before period, breasts may swell and become tender or lumpy. This usually decreases after the period.
- Around the menopause lumps are common and often turn out breast cysts (benign fluid-filled sacs).
- Breast tissue begins to lose its firmness and the milk-producing tissue is replaced by fat, making the breasts sag that is more noticeable after the menopause with falling oestrogen levels.
- Size of the breasts may change with time. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may help breasts keep firmer and tender.
- There may be many reasons for the change other than breast cancer.
- Anything unusual must be reported to doctor straight away.

- One breast is larger than the other
- The nipples look different on each breast.
- The hairless nipples or few hairs around the areola.
- An extra breast or pair of breasts (Few women may have).
- An extra nipple or nipples.
What is considered abnormal about the breasts?
- Any change that is new or different
- Changes in the position of the nipple (inverted or positional change) or nipple discharge either from one or both
- Changes in the size, shape or feel of your breasts - one breast may become noticeably larger or lower
- A new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit
- A rash on or around the nipple, redness of the skin,
- A nipple that has become inverted (pulled in) or changed its position or shape
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin
- A swelling under armpit or around collarbone
- A lump or thickening in breast that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue.
- Constant pain in one part of breast or armpit

- Breasts start developing around the age of nine to 11.
- Changing levels in the female hormone "oestrogen" affects the development of breasts and as a result there are constant changes beginning from puberty, through adolescence and child bearing, and attaining the menopause.
- breasts may become larger, tender or a bit lumpy Just before a period,
- lumpiness may disappear altogether after a period,
- Cyclical breast pain may appear in many women during their menstrual cycle.
- This page will try and help you learn how to do a specific test for cancer at home if you suspect something is wrong. Do not rely solely on the self test and seek professional help if you do find something wrong or suspect a problem.

Breasts need to be examined each month, at the same point every month but not during menstrual period. Try to detect any changes such as enlargements of a lump. Make yourself familiar with the feel of your breasts to notice any subtle changes or developments in your breasts. Any changes in breast need to be reported to a doctor (medical practitioner). The procedure for self-examination of breast is given below.
- Stand in front of a mirror and look at yourself after raising your hands over the head and press them together.
- Notice the shape of your breasts.
- Place your hands on your hips, apply pressure and look for symptoms that appear abnormal
- Now raise one arm above your head and firmly explore your breast with your other hand.
- Moving your fingers using a circular motion at the outer edge gradually work toward the nipple.
- Examine the area between the nipple and the armpit and feel the armpit as well. You have lymph nodes in the armpit; they move freely and feel soft, and are not painful to the touch.
- Look for lumps that are hard and not mobile. Cancers are often attached to underlying muscle or the skin.
- Lie down on your back and repeat the process indicated above. This position makes it easier to detect lumps.
- Squeeze each nipple gently to check for any discharge or blood.
- Self-examination should be performed on monthly basis.
It is recommended that women between the ages of twenty and forty have their breasts examined by a physician every one to three years. The exam should be performed every year after attainment of 40 years of age.
Disclaimer:
All content provided in this hub is for general information only, not a substitute for the medical advice. The author or the site is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this lens.