Self Examination
The sooner breast cancer is found, the greater the chance of successful treatment and a full recovery. Self-examination is a vital way of finding cancer early.
- Facing a mirror, examine the outward appearance of both breasts. Look for any skin abnormalities or dimpling of the skin.
- Repeat with the arms above the head. Placing the arms in this position will make it easier to see skin dimpling.
- Placing the hands on the hips, press the hands down to tense the chest muscles. Again, notice any changes in breast shape or texture.
- Raise one arm at a time, and press down with the fingertips, making circular movements. Notice any lumps, sequentially pressing harder to feel deeper tissues of the breast. Examine the armpit area in the same way.
- Examine the nipple for signs of inversion or discharge.
- Lie horizontally and examine the breasts as previously, paying attention to the armpit area.
This video is courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0SuGZbjBy8 and Channel 4
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