October Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October

      Every year the incidence of breast  cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of lives. Many times these cancers seem to hit without warning and are found only in a progressed stage. With current knowledge and medical ability, this does not have to be the case. Early detection is the key in effectively dealing with cancer.

Examining Your Breasts

1. Lie on your back, placing your right hand behind your head. Using your left hand, follow the motions in the chart below in examining your breasts. You should be feeling for any unusual thick or lumpy area. Repeat the process, switching hands, for your left breast.

2. Sit-up and begin to examine the area under the armpit. As archived by the National Library of Medicine, many may fail to realize that breast tissue extends under the armpit. Do not skip this step of examination.

3. Stand in front of a mirror and do a visual inspection of the breasts. You should look out for any unusual lumps, indentations, warping of skin, or odd changes in the shape of the nipple or discharged fluid.

If you observe any change that is of concern, set up an appointment with your doctor. When dealing with the possibility of cancer, there is no such thing as having irrelevant questions or concerns.