Breast Self Exam

It's that time of the month again. Time to check out the girls to make sure they are doing good!

Why it is important to examine your breast:

Nearly one in every 10 women is going to develop breast cancer at some time in her life. By examining your breast each month without fail you will be able to detect any lumps or abnormalities right away. That monthly exam is vital since breast cancer caught in its early stages has a cure rate of over 85%.

1. Check nipples for:

__cysts, eczema, ulcers

__discharge, bleeding

__change in shape (inversion, flattening, dimpling)

__change in nipple location

2. Check breast shape for:

__change in size.

__change in contour.

__bulges, flattening, indentation(including armpit area)

3. Check breast surface for:

__puckered, orange peel skin.

__dimples, bulges.

__moles that have enlarged or darkened.

__lumps or thickening

__sores, ulcerations

Remember, the keyword is "change".

If you spot any changes from one month to the next, call your doctor.

What If You Find A Lump

Finding a lump does not mean you have cancer. In fact the odds are very high that is is not cancer. But it is important to see your doctor right away to be sure. Don't stay away because you are afraid of what you will hear. If you have been checking your breast each month, you have caught any problems early, when they are easiest to treat.

So now that you have read this, go take 10 minutes in a quiet room with a large mirror, and look for changes. You deserve to know what is going on with your own body. Take charge of it!