Detecting Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the major causes of death in african women today. early detection is one of the reasons why some cancer victims have a greater chance of survival.Its also been found that self-examination increases the survival rate of breast cancer.

below are some tips on how to do a self-examination of your breast to spot the first signs and symptoms of breast cancer. What you are trying to lookout for are lumps, knots, thickening or swellings which indicate a growing cancer cell inside the breast.

Tip #1:

Lie down on your back and put a pillow under your left shoulder. This will put you in an elevated position after. Raise and place your left hand under your head. Your left breast should be stretched and flattened a bit in this position. Using your right hand, examine your left breast for lumps in a circular motion from the rim of your breast area to the nipple, including the armpit area. Repeat this procedure by reversing the position to the right side of your breasts.

Tip #2:

Examine your breasts by facing a mirror. You can either leave your hands relaxed on the sides or raise them up. Look closely at your breasts for any changes such as the texture, color and orientation. In addition, observe if there is any skin irritation, retraction of nipples, dimpling or bulge and swelling or soreness.

Tip #3:

Examine your breast by contracting your chest muscles. Raise your arm near your forehead and clasp both hands. Then squeeze palms tightly together to make the muscles contract. You must do this while facing the mirror to see if there are any bulges. Another way is to place your palms on the sides of your hips and press them downward. As the muscles contract, check again for bulges.

Tip #4:

Periodically examine your breasts while taking a shower. Raise your one hand overhead, while your other hand carries out examination in a circular motion. Carryout this procedure on both breasts. Why do this in the shower? Because with soap applied on your skin, it can help your hand glide smoothly and feel the lump easily


Reference: cancer reasearch UK