October is Breast Cancer Month and in honor of one of my best friends, Anjie Soares I am dedicating this post to her! I make it my business to check my tatas on a regular basis. Ladies, it is very important to check your tatas monthly. Secretly, I think I am obsessed with checking them daily in fear of missing a lump. I had a scare myself 7 years ago and immediately I went to the doctor. Thanking God, as I type, it was left over milk that curdled and hardened in my breast from an earlier pregnancy. So be proactive, take care of yourself and check your tatas regularly! Just in case you are not sure on what to do, I have provided some information for you below.
How can I detect breast cancer?
Regular mammograms. Annual mammograms begin at age 40 years.
See your doctor for regular breast exams. At least every three years from age 20 to 39 and every year beginning at age 40.
Practice monthly self-breast exam.
- It is important to get an idea of what your breasts feel like normally as this will enable you to be more aware of changes if they develop. You are the best authority on your own breasts. Doing self breast exam every month helps you become that authority.
- It's a good idea to ask you health care provider to learn about doing self-breast exam and explain to you what you are feeling in the breast tissue so you are aware of what's normal. That way you can learn more about the difference in feel between normal breast tissue and lumps that may be of concern.
- If you are still menstruating, it is best to wait at least two to three days after your period ends to do the self-breast exam when your breasts are less likely to be swollen and tender.
Visual Inspection
- Stand in front of a mirror with your upper body unclothed and pressing both hands behind your head.
- Look for changes in the shape and size of your breasts.
- Check for dimples of the skin or "pulling in" of the nipples.
- Check for scaling or a rash on your beasts and nipples.
- Next, place your hands on your hips and press firmly inward, tightening your chest muscles, while looking at your breasts for any change in their usual appearance. Perform leaning slightly forward and again while standing upright.
In fact, there are three different methods that can be used, all equally effective. It is important that you choose the method that you are most comfortable with and use the same method each month.
Circular method
- Use the hand opposite the breast you are examining, beginning at the outermost top of your breast.
- Press the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips into your breast.
- Move in small circles slowly around your breast, working toward the nipple.
- Press gently to feel tissues under the skin and more firmly to feel deep tissues.
- Cover all areas of the breast.
- Repeat for the opposite breast.
- Imagine your breast is divided into sections, like spokes dividing a wheel.
- Begin at the outermost top of the breast.
- Press the flat portions of the fingertips into your left breast, moving first toward the nipple, then away from the nipple.
- When you complete that section, slide your fingers slightly to the next area and repeat the process, gradually moving around your entire breast.
- Repeat for your opposite breast.
- Begin at the innermost portion of the breast, near the breastbone.
- With the flat portions of the fingertips, move down your breast, pressing firmly and gently.
- Slide your fingers slightly and move up your breast, then down, and so forth until the entire breast area has been examined.
- Repeat for the opposite breast.
Masses in the lower part of the breast may be more easily felt lying down.
- To examine your left breast, lie flat on your back with a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder.
- Raise your left arm over your head.
- Use the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips of your right hand to examine your left breast with one of the above methods.
- Press gently to feel tissues under the skin and then more firmly for deep tissues.
- Repeat for the right breast.
Masses in the upper part of the breast are easier to detect while standing upright.
- Place your left hand behind your head, and with the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips of the right hand, examine your entire left breast by one of the methods described.
- Repeat for your right breast.
- Gently squeeze your left nipple between your right index finger and thumb and look for any discharge.
- Repeat for right nipple.
Additional areas
- Check the area between the upper outer breast and your armpit, as well as the armpit itself.
- Check the area just above your collarbones for enlarged lymph nodes.
Anjie, you are gone but never forgotten! I know I will forever have an angel around me!!! I love you!
