‘Tis the season for the boobies! It is indeed October; therefore, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. If you did not know, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. One in eight women in the United Stated will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is a beast, it is the second leading cause of death among women and, although rare, it does kill around 460 men each year out of the 2,470 that are diagnosed. So, be in the know! Here’s how to do a self-breast exam, courtesy of the National Breast Cancer Foundation:
Lying Down:
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
In Front of a Mirror:
Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.
In the Shower:
Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.
No breast is too big! A self-examination can be all that it takes to save your life. Be sure to do any one of these examinations once a month. Tell your sister, your mom, your grandma, your best friends, and your teacher, this is serious! Get your boyfriend involved because this could affect him too. Spread the word and save a life. For more information visit http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam.