As most of us know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Well, awareness doesn’t just mean acknowledging that it is happening, or wearing pink, or supporting breast cancer research. Being aware also means being aware that it can happen to you. Breast cancer doesn’t care if you’re male or female, young or old, it can get you just the same. After all, it’s called breast cancer, not boob cancer. So you don’t have to have boobs.
As a female, after the age of 40, it is recommended you start getting mammograms once a year as a check for breast cancer. But what about the people under 40 who are developing breast cancer? What if there was a way to detect breast cancer without needing a mammogram? Because let's face it, smashing your boobs between imaging machines just doesn’t sound fun. Well, lucky for you, there is a handy way to check for odd tissue in your breasts.
There are three ways you can perform a breast self-exam and it is recommended to do them all at least once a month. In the shower, in front of a mirror, and lying down you can check for lumps, hardened knots, tender spots, thickening, puckering of the skin, changes in the contour (shape), any dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples.
In the shower you want to lift the arm of the side you are checking and run your fingers in a circular motion all over your breast and armpit area, moving from the outside to the center. You are essentially checking for any lumps, thickening, or hardened knots. This test is more for feeling any changes and if you notice anything even remotely suspicious, notify your doctor immediately.
While in front of a mirror, you leave your arms at your side and see how your breasts look. If you notice any odd shaping, dimpling or rippling of the skin or nipple. Then you lift both arms above your head and notice any changes. Then place your hands on your hips, flex your chest muscles and do the same. And remember most breasts won’t be the same size, so don’t worry if your breasts are uneven. If you notice any unusual changes of your breast size or shape, or you notice any dimpling, puckering, or swelling of the skin, notify your doctor immediately.
When lying down, place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast and armpit area. Then you should squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast. If you notice anything unusual you should notify your doctor immediately.
So the one thing you need to be aware of during breast cancer awareness month - and every other month - is that you can take steps to help find breast cancer before the age when you would usually get a mammogram. So be aware, take action, and know how you can help catch breast cancer early.
