Self Breast Exams; An Investment in Your Health!

Do you realize that breast cancer is the second most cancer-related killer in women? According to the American Cancer Society, your risk of getting breast cancer increases with your age. The risk factors include:

1. A family history of breast cancer
2. A long menstrual cycle that began at an early age and stopped at a late age
3. Taking postmenopausal estrogen
4. Never giving birth to a baby
5. Giving birth to your first child after you reached thirty years of age
6. Consuming two or more alcoholic drinks a day

Hopefully, you have been performing self-breast examinations every month for so long now that this routine has become a permanent part of your healthy routine. If not, then it's never too late to start, and the time to start is now!

If you are still having a menstrual cycle, then you should wait a week after the end of your last period to perform your self breast exam. Don't try to check your breasts when they are swollen and sore.

If you are postmenopausal, then you can perform the exam on the same day every month. In either case, be sure that you mark your calendar so you will be reminded when it's time for your next examination.

To perform a self breast exam, lie down on a comfortable bed or sofa. Place a pillow underneath your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. Use the fingers on your left hand to feel your right breast for lumps, bumps, and other unusual growths. Press down firmly and move your fingers around on your breast. Be sure that your exam is thorough by covering the entire area. (The outside of your breast extends towards your underarm.)

Now, switch sides and place the pillow underneath your left shoulder. Place your left arm behind your head. Use the fingers on your right hand to feel your left breast for unusual growths.

To continue into the second phase of the self breast exam, stand up on the floor and place one arm behind your head. Exam your breasts in the same manner as you did when you were lying down.