 |
Breast cancer, though
not a big concern to teenagers, is a prospect that adult women need to
be aware of. There are all sorts of studies linking breast cancer with
heredity, diet, hormonal imbalances and lifestyle.
New treatments and
medical breakthroughs hold some promise in eventually defeating this disease,
but nothing beats early detection. That's why your first line of defense
against breast cancer is monthly self-examination. You can start as soon
as your breasts are fully developed.
Breast self-exams
should be done at the same time of the month every month, right after
your period ends, when the breasts are neither tender nor swollen.
| 1. |
Lie down on
your back; put your right arm over your head and a pillow under your
right shoulder. |
| 2. |
With the three
middle fingers of your left hand, feel for lumps or thickened tissue
in your right breast, using a firm circular motion radiating out from
the nipple. Press hard enough to familiarize yourself with how your
breast feels, but not so hard that it hurts. |
| 3. |
Repeat steps
1 and 2 for your left breast. |
| 4. |
Standing and
looking in a mirror, check your breasts for any surface anomalies
like puckering, dimpling or swelling. Do this with your arms at your
sides, with them stretched above your head, and with your hands on
your hips while flexing your chest muscles. |
|
 |
