Check your Breasts for Cancer

Tweet

One of the most useful tools for early detection is breast self examination. It is simple, easy and sensitive. It can be done in five steps, preferably on the same day every month. This is to negate any changes in consistency because of hormonal effects. Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror, uncovered, with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Check that the breasts are their usual size, shape and colour. There should be no visible distortion or swelling. The danger signs are dimpling,puckering, bulging of the skin, redness, soreness,rash or swelling, or a nipple that has changed position. Step 2: Look for the same changes with raised arms. Step 3: Gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge. Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side from the armpit to the cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. Begin examining each area with a very soft touch, and then increase pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue, down to your ribcage. Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Mammograms can detect tumours before they are felt with the hand. After the age of 45years, they should ideally be done every two years. In case of any abnormality, see a competent surgeon immediately. The process may be expensive, but is well worth the cost. A few lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. • Maintain a BMI (weight in kg/ height in metre squared) of around 23. • Reduce the intake of fat. • Eat five helpings of fruits or vegetables a day • Regular exercise (jogging, cycling swimming, running) for 45 minutes at least four times a week has a positive effect on the immune system. Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore,India. Questions on health issues may be emailed to her at yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in Courtesy:The Thelegraph,KnowHow.