A Breast Self Exam is an Important Factor of Women’s Health

It is easiest to do a breast self exam in the shower when you are wet and soapy.

Raise one arm straight over your head.

Use the three middle fingers of your other hand to move up and down from your collar bone to the bottom of the breast.

Use three different pressures: light pressure will feel lumps near the surface and firmer, then firmer pressure will feel further inside the breast.Chesapeake Va, Chesapeake Virginia, Norfolk VA, Norfolk Virginia, Virginia Beach VA, Virginia Beach Virginia

Be sure to feel the area of the nipple and to push the nipple down in the middle.

When you have dried off, look for any discharge.

You can also lie down and raise one arm over your head, start at 12:00 on the circle and work around the outside of the breast.

Then move in an inch and continue doing circles until you reach the nipple.

Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to include the armpits.

For an even more detailed guide check out webmd.com.

Mammograms

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women just behind lung cancer.

New studies show that only 5-10% of newly diagnosed patients have a genetic link. Which means more and more cases are “sporadic” and not linked to a family history of breast cancer.

Currently most physicians recommend an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. 

You can now opt for a 3D mammogram which shows issues more clearly, especially if you have “dense” breast tissue.

Don’t rely on mammograms alone for diagnosis.  40% of breast cancer is found through self exams. Constant monitoring is the key to early detection.

If you discover a lump, see your doctor as soon as possible. There are many reasons for lumps other than cancer, so it is important for a medical professional to make the proper diagnosis.

Cleaning For A Reason was founded in Texas as a non-profit partnering with cleaning companies through the U.S. to provide free house cleanings for women undergoing cancer treatment. For more information visit: http://cleaningforareason.org/

Editor’s Note: We originally published this article in October 2013. We have edited it for accuracy, freshness and comprehensiveness.