Do You Really Need to do Self-Breast Exams?

By Krystal Smith, D.O.

Self-breast exams are a useful tool to help diagnosis breast cancer early. It is imperative to use self-exam tools at home coupled with tra-

ditional medical imaging and other diagnostic recommendations by your physician. If you feel a new lump, don’t panic, just make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. Very often lumps are benign, caused by hormonal changes, but they should never be left unexamined by a medical professional. Early detection saves lives.

Self Examination Details
Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here’s what you should look for:
• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:
• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of  sticking out)
• Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you’ve reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.

A recent study showed that women that get regular breast cancer screenings cut their risk of dying from breast cancer in half.

Breast Cancer Screening
A small investment of your time can help save your life. Early breast cancer diagnosis is what spares lives and offers longevity. Physicians cannot stress the importance of getting regular mammograms as well as doing self-breast examinations enough. The breast cancer survival rates in the U.S. are 80-90% if caught in the first stage due to advanced care. However, the diagnosis in later stages drastically drops the survival rate to 24%. It’s essential to schedule your mammogram tests regularly, and if you feel a lump, please contact your physician immediately.

Mammograms and breast ultrasounds have helped diagnose breast cancer early and eliminate metastasizing cancer and deaths; however, not all breast cancer is detected with traditional mammography. Additional symptoms of breast cancer are lumps in the breast or underarm, pain, nipple discharge, or a physical change in the appearance of the breast or nipple. If you have any of those symptoms, your doctor will order you an advanced imaging test.

Early diagnosis saves lives, and it is critical for treating any cancer effectively. Regular screenings are imperative, as are self-diagnoses. If you notice any changes, making an appointment with your physician is vital.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors
• Being Female
• Age
• Cancer Recurrence
• Overweight
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Alcohol consumption
• Environmental toxins
• Dense breast tissue
• Unhealthy lifestyle & diet
• Menstrual onset before 12 yrs.
• Menopause after 55 yrs.
• Family History (sister mother, daughter)
• Genetics (BRCA1 and BRCA2)

It’s important not to put off your breast cancer screenings.

Breast Center of Naples
Here at Breast Center of Naples, breast imaging is all we do! Dr. Smith and her specialized staff have dedicated their lives to caring for women and the early detection of breast cancer. In contrast to other imaging centers, your care will solely be provided by fellowship trained breast radiologists and a team of specialized technologists and sonographers. Not only do we offer this specialized care—We do this in a unique setting unlike any in Collier County. Our luxurious, spa-like, atmosphere awaits you where you are treated like family as soon as you enter the office. When you first arrive, you will experience our beautiful reception area and welcoming staff. Once it is time for your imaging, you will be taken to our calming secondary waiting area with ample dressing rooms and a plush robe for your exam.

Advanced Equipment and Technology
We have only state of the art equipment which includes Hologic 3D Mammography, GE ultrasound, and Hologic bone density. We offer the area’s only true screening ultrasound program for patients with dense breast tissue. All of these services are offered in one of the area’s newest Class A buildings – The Kraft Center.

Breast Center of Naples
Contact The Breast Center of Naples Today.
239-238-1210
Breastcenterofnaples.com
3555 Kraft Rd., Suite 350, Naples, FL 34105

Source: breastcancer.org