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.
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