By, Rebecca McCann
The month of October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast Cancer is a disease that occurs when malignant cells known as cancer cells form in the breast tissue. Some tumors can be metastatic, which is when the malignant cells spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system or the bloodstream forming another tumor. Tumors can also be benign, meaning they are non cancerous. Therefore it is extremely important to check your breasts for lumps monthly.
According to The National Breast Cancer Foundation here are some tips to performing at home breast exams:
- In the shower: with the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers check your entire breast and armpit with light, medium and firm pressure. Feel for any lump, thickening, hardening knot or any other changes.
- In front of the mirror: Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Then raise them over your head. Looking for changes in color, swelling, dimpling of skin or and changes are the nipples. Then place your palms on your hips firmly to flex the chest muscles. While doing this look for any dimpling, puckering or changes, particularly on one side, no two breasts are the same so keep that in mind as well.
- Lying down: place a pillow under your right shoulder and right arm, using your left arm move the pads of your fingers around your breast. Make sure to cover the whole area using light, medium and firm pressure. Then squeeze the nipple to check for discharge or lumps. Repeat on the left side.
For a better understanding check out https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam.
If you do find something unusual, schedule an appointment with your doctor! Do not go into panic mode just yet as the foundation says 8 out of 10 tumors are not cancerous. You can always call your doctor with any other concerns or questions you may have!