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Breast Self Exam

Breast Self Exam. Detects the majority of breast abnormalities Potentially life-saving Monthly exam, at end of menses Start in front of mirror. Inspect for:. Skin changes Redness Visible bumps Nipple crusting Symmetry. Raise Arms Up. Breasts should rise evenly

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Breast Self Exam

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  1. Breast Self Exam • Detects the majority of breast abnormalities • Potentially life-saving • Monthly exam, at end of menses • Start in front of mirror

  2. Inspect for: • Skin changes • Redness • Visible bumps • Nipple crusting • Symmetry

  3. Raise Arms Up • Breasts should rise evenly • Watch for dimpling or retraction

  4. Feel for Lumps • Raise the arm • Feel with opposite hand • Feel for a “marble in a bag of rice”

  5. Use the Middle of Your Fingers • Fingertips are too sensitive (all breasts are somewhat lumpy) • Palm is too insensitive • Middle portion of fingers is just right

  6. Move your hand in small circles • Stay in one place • Press in while circling with your hand • Feel for thickenings the size of a marble

  7. Then move to another location • Work your way around the breast in a clockwise fashion, using small circles of the hand as you go. • Make sure the entire breast is felt.

  8. The “Tail” of the Breast • Breast is not perfectly round. • A “Tail” of breast tissue normally extends into the armpit. • Make sure to feel for lumps in that portion of the breast.

  9. Feel the Armpit • Use the same circular motions. • Feel for breast lumps and lymph nodes. • Normal lymph nodes cannot be felt. • Enlarged lymph nodes are about the size of a pencil eraser, but longer and thinner.

  10. Try to Express Nipple Discharge • Strip the ducts towards the nipple. • Normally, one or two drops of clear, milky or green-tinged secretions. • Should not be bloody or in large quantity, squirting out or staining the inside of a bra.

  11. Now Check the Other Side • Follow same maneuvers. • Raise the arm above your head. • Feel for lumps or masses.

  12. Have a Professional Breast Exam Each Year • Basically the same maneuvers • Ask questions

  13. Mammograms • Age 40-50: Every other year • Over Age 50: Annually • Might be more often in special circumstances such as breast problems, family history of breast cancer.

  14. If you find something in your breast... • Don’t panic. • Most (90%) of breast lumps are benign. • Do see a physician or other qualified health care provider right away.

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