Breast Self-Exam A word about finding breast cancer
Finding it early
In most cases, you have no pain with breast cancer. You may have no symptoms at all. But as breast cells change from normal to abnormal, they grow out of control. Over time they form a lump or tumor.
Breast self exams can be helpful if used along with mammograms and breast exams done by your doctor. So your monthly breast exam is a few minutes well spent.
lump
If a lump is found early (before it spreads to other areas in your body) the chance of removing all the cancer cells is much better.
Do your breast check at the same time each month. If you still have menstrual periods, the best time to do a breast check is 2 or 3 days after your period ends. If you don’t have periods, pick a day that will be easy for you to remember (such as the first or last day of the month). These are the things you should look for:
Two ways to check for lumps or other changes in your breast are to:
• a lump in your breast or armpit
• do a self exam every month
• changes to your breast skin like puckering, dimpling or dry, scaly places
• have a clinical exam by your doctor every year
• fluid or bleeding from your nipple
If a lump or changes are detected, a mammogram (x-ray of your breast) may be needed. Copyright © 2003-2011 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.
Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. Bringing Patients & Health Together ®
• indented nipple • any other change Atlanta, GA
800-241-4925
Product # 492
Breast Self-Exam How to check your breasts When you check your breasts, you should: • look
• feel
• squeeze
1. L ook in the mirror at your breasts – facing front then sideways, with your arms at your sides and then overhead. Next, put your hands on your hips, move your shoulders forward and look again. 2. F eel your breasts while lying down. Put a folded towel under your right shoulder and rest your right arm under your head. Take your left hand and feel with your fingertips. Press firmly as you make little circles. Keep going around your breast from the outside in to the nipple. Also, be sure to check your armpit. Move the towel under your left shoulder, and repeat the exam on your left breast. 3. S queeze each nipple to see if any fluid comes out.
See your doctor right away if you find a lump or other changes in your breast.
Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.
Bringing Patients & Health Together ®
Atlanta, GA
800-241-4925
Copyright © 2003-2011 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.