Breast Self Exam Instruction:
Breast Carcinoma or breast cancer is the most
commonly occurring cancer in middle-aged women.
The breasts are specialized accessory glands of
the skin consisting of ducts embedded in fatty
tissue.
Breast cancer can arise in the duct system
anywhere from the nipple to the terminal lobule.
Most often, the cancer is detected after it has
spread to the other parts of the body. Periodic
breast self exams are essential for early
identification and treatment.
The breast self-exam should be done regularly
every month immediately following the menstrual
cycle.
Step 1- Visual Inspection
Look for any changes in the skin over breast like
redness, swelling or puckering and nipple changes
like discharge, scaling or indentation.
Step 2 - Tactile Inspection
There are three ways to physically examine the
breasts.
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The Circle method
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The Line method, and
-
The wedge method
The Circle Method: Move the three middle fingers
in a circular fashion starting from the outer edge
of the breast towards the nipple.
The Line Method: Move the three middle fingers
starting from underarm area down below the breast.
Move slowly back upwards. Repeat this until the
entire breast is felt.
Wedge method: Move the three middle fingers
beginning at the outer edge towards the nipple.
Repeat the procedure for every wedge until the
entire breast is felt.
Regardless of the method, the objective is to feel
the entire breast and observing any abnormal
changes. The breast should be soft and smooth to
the touch. Pay special attention to check the
underarm and upper chest areas.
Check under arm
and upper chest areas
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