Step by step points for examining your breasts

October is still here and I have an urge to write about breasts once more. This is even more important at this time when some scientists argue that self-breast examination may not be beneficial.

The size of the breast does not matter; flat-chested or even over-endowed one needs to give breasts able attention and learn to examine them methodically. Imagine examining your breast every month for several years and missing a lump in the axillary tail (extension into the armpit) just because you had no plan for the examination.

Together we can beat breast cancer!

TIPS FOR MONTHLY SELF-BREAST EXAMINATION

1. The best time to perform a self-breast exam is the week following your period when breasts are less tender and less swollen

2. Perform your self-exam in the shower or lying down on your back

3. Begin in the centre of the breast and move toward the edges

4. Use gentle, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion

5. REMEMBER the areas of the skin under the collarbone and in the armpit

6. Check for consistency or what the breast feels like

7. Look beyond feeling for lumps; what you see is equally important. So look for the following before you touch;

a. The size and shape of the breast

b. Any areas that appear swollen

c. Is the nipple pointed or retracted? Is there a nipple discharge?

d. What does the skin look like? Are there colour changes or skin changes such as areas looking like an orange peel or skin ulcers/sores?

In all this it’s important to know WHAT your breasts feel like NORMALLY so that you can tell when there is a change. START NOW!!

TAKE THESE SERIOUSLY

1. From age 18, have your breasts examined yearly by a professional (clinician please) and remember to add your annual medical examinations to determine if you have other medical challenges.

2. From your 18th birthday perform self-breast examination each month

a. There have been arguments about the need for a monthly self-breast exam but in my opinion and that of many others, examining your breasts every month can’t possibly hurt you so go ahead and examine.

3. When you hit the magical age of 40 years, ensure you have a mammogram and depending on the type of mammogram you may be advised to combine it with an ultrasound scan.

4. If you have family members with breast cancer or you have breast cancer in one breast or in the event that you find an abnormality in your breast talk to your doctor. In such a scenario you may need a Mammogram earlier than your 40th birthday.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd / St Andrews Clinic

(www.healthclubsgh.com)

Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “Laughter and exercise are great stress busters; make sure you get your daily dose of each.”

Reference:

1. www.geisinger.org – Recommendations For Breast Health