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Breast Cancer Awareness

Steps to BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Just as your period ends (or at the same time each month if you do not have periods) check for any change in the normal look and feel of your breasts. Report any changes to your doctor or nurse. Go for regular breast exams and ask about a mammogram.

Step 1: Lying Down

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast.
• Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin.
• Follow an up and down pattern.
• Feel for changes in your breast, above and below the collarbone and in your armpit.
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.

These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.

Step 2: In front of a mirror

Look for changes from normal, Inspect your breasts in four steps

1. Hold arms at your side
2. Hold arms over your head
3. Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles
4. Bend forward with your hands on your hips

WARNING SIGNS

See your doctor if you notice any of these in your breasts:-

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening
• Change in size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipples or other parts
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

Dr Leiyah Bassa recommends the following: –

• Monthly breast self-examination starting by the age of 20.
• Clinical breast examination by a trained medical professional at least every 3 years starting at the age 20, and annually after 40.
• Annual screening mammography for woman starting at the age 40.

For more information give us a call on 011 975 5655