|
Self-Examination for Breast Cancer Symptoms
Cancer Detection
Breast cancer is the
fifth deadliest cancer there is. Worldwide it is accountable for 7%
of all cancer-related deaths and 1% of deaths of any kind. It is
important to be able to detect breast cancer early. Unfortunately
the disease often shows no symptoms at the beginning. One of the
first signs may be an abnormal lump too small to detect during
self-examination. If it shows up in a mammogram, more tests will be
needed to assess whether it is benign or malignant.
A benign tumor is a cell
growth that isnt rapid enough to cause damage to the body. When
the tumor is removed, it usually doesnt come back. Malignant
tumors on the other hand, spread fast and destroy adjacent tissues
and organs. To prevent this, a cancerous tumor must be detected
early and removed.
Cancer Symptoms
Sometimes the breast
tumor may be large enough to be noticed by the patient or the
doctor. A lump can be of any shape, but generally it is firm,
painless and irregularly shaped masses that may be cancerous. No
matter what the shape, you should inform your physician immediately
if you notice any lump in your breasts.
There are symptoms of
breast cancer such as:
Swelling of the whole
or part of the breast
Pain in the
breast
Pain in the nipple
Redness, irritation,
scaliness or hardness of the skin in the breast
A lump around the
armpit area
Discharge in the nipple
These symptoms may be due
to an infection or cyst rather than cancer, so it is vital to
consult with a physician as soon as possible if you have any of
them.
Self-Examination
Step 1
Remove upper clothing.
Stand before mirror with your arms down.
Step 2
Look at the shape and
color of your breasts. See if there is anything unusual such as
redness, swelling, skin rash or an inward-turned nipple. Check for
breast tumors, dimples or puckering. If you see any of these signs,
consult your doctor. If all is clear, proceed to the next step.
Step 3
Raise your arms over your
head. Examine your breasts again. See if there is any abnormal
discharge from one or both of the nipples. The color of the
discharge may be whitish, yellowish, watery or blood.
Step 4
Lie down. Raise one arm
over your head. Use your free hand to feel the breast on the
opposite side of the body (where the arm is raised). If it is the
left breast to be examined, use your right hand. If it is the right
breast, use your left hand. Lay your hand on the breast, keeping
the fingers together. Press down with the pads and turn them in
small circles as you move over the breast. Make sure you go over
the whole breast area, from the collarbone to the abdomen all the
way around the breast, armpit and cleavage. Apply gentle pressure
for the skin at first. Use stronger pressure to feel the deeper
areas of the breast. It should be hard enough for you to feel the
ribs.
Step 5
Do the same as above
while standing up. Make sure you cover the whole area. Do it
patiently. Feel for any changes.
|
