Catching breast cancer in its early stages is one of the most effective ways of improving survival odds. Women who learn how to conduct a breast exam, and who make a habit of performing one on a monthly basis, will find comfort in taking a proactive role in their own health and awareness. Breast exams are not complicated or time consuming. Any woman can learn how to perform one on herself in a matter of minutes.

Choosing a Date

Many women pick one date a month, such as the 1^st or the 15^th to perform their exam. This is a simple method, and an easy way to build a regular habit. Circle that date on your calendar as an extra reminder.

Other women sync their breast exams with their ovulation pattern. The exam is most effective in the beginning of a monthly cycle, immediately after menstruation has stopped. This is when hormone levels are low, and breasts are soft and easy to examine. After ovulation, breast tissue can swell, either disguising lumps or causing tender spots that can needlessly alarm the woman.

Appearance

Begin with a hands-off examination of each breast. The longer you establish a habit of regular examinations, they better you will know the normal look of your breasts and nipples. You should especially look for asymmetrical irregularities, dimples, odd coloring, or discharge.

Begin the visual exam by observing your breasts in a mirror while standing straight up with your hands on your hips. Next, you should hunch forward causing your breasts to hang. Finally, raise your arms high in the air. Inspect thoroughly while in each position.

Feeling for Abnormalities

After a visual examination, you will want to feel your breasts for lumps. This can be done while lying down or in the privacy of your shower. Begin by pressing with the pads of your fingers and sliding your hand down from the top of your breast to the nipple. Use your left hand to examine your right breast, while your right arm rises up and bends behind your head. Switch hands to examine your left breast.

Massage the sides of your breast, and underneath. This should be done three times with a different amount of pressure each round. Start softly, and build up pressure as you go. Each degree of pressure will feel for lumps at different levels of tissue.

Doctor’s Visits

Although self-exams play an important part in breast health, they can never replace an annual visit with your doctor, especially for women over 40, who should begin scheduling a yearly mammogram. Self-exams are an invaluable precaution, but they are not the only precaution women should be taking against breast cancer.

Taking extra steps to ensure that you are aware of your health is a necessary part of your wellness plan. University Hospital and Medical center in Tamarac is proud to be a part of the Pink Power Network, a focused collective of medical professionals with a shared goal of educating women about breast cancer and helping them undergo the necessary tests. For more information on breast cancer examinations or to schedule a mammogram in South Florida, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-442-2362 for a free physician referral.

Sources:

American Cancer Society

Mayo Clinic

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Pink Power Network; Join the Fight

This year over a quarter of a million women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the second most prevalent cancer that American women suffer from, and it will claim an expected 39,840 lives this year alone. The biggest weapon that we have in the fight against breast cancer is knowledge. Educating women on how to check for breast cancer–and ensuring that they see a medical professional regardless of their personal knowledge–will ensure that women who are affected will be diagnosed early enough to have a positive outcome.

We are proud to be a part of the Pink Power Network. The Pink Power Network is designed to help the women of South Florida beat breast cancer. From diagnosis all the way through treatment, the Pink Power Network is there to stand with you against this disease.

Whether you need a breast X-Ray or a Breast MRI to diagnose your condition, our diagnostic specialists will make sure that you are accurately tested. Our oncologists can provide you with information about the disease and teach you to perform tests at home that will help you to identify any lumps that may be tumors.

In the spirit of education we would like to share some of the symptoms of breast cancer, courtesy of BreastCancer.org.

Signs That You May Need to See a Doctor about Breast Cancer

• Pain in the breasts
• Pain in the nipples
• Inwardly turned nipple
• A lump under your arm or on your breast
• Swelling of the breasts
• Discharge from the breasts other than breast milk
• Scaling or redness developing on the nipple or skin covering the breast

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you will want to be screened by a medical professional. You can schedule a mammogram by calling 1-877-9MAMMOS. WE offer breast cancer screening to women of Tamarac, Plantation, Margate and all surrounding areas.

Sources:

University Hospital Mammography

BreastCancer.org

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