Alternative Cancer Treatment - The How of Breast Self-Exam?

Generally, about 1 in 12 women will contract breast cancer at some age and the odds are higher later in life. Courtesy of modern medicine, many breast cancers can be successfully treated with minimum impact. However, one's treatment success level is extremely dependent on early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected the higher your chance for survival. One easy way to increase the odds of early discovery is the performance of a regular breast self exam.

The purpose of breast self examination is the detection of any changes which could signal that something is worth of more investigation, either with a professional clinical exam, a mammogram, or another diagnostic method. The ability to judge and determine what is abnormal relies on the knowledge of what is normal, and this varies from person to person even though there are some commonalities.

The first element in conducting a proper breast self exam is having knowledge of what your breasts normally feel and look like. Every aspect of your body goes through subtle changes on a regular basis. During the menstrual cycle those changes tend to be exaggerated. Breasts might become enlarged or more sensitive. It is ideal to begin your self-exam a few days after your period every month so that it becomes a habit. Post-menopausal women should try and choose the same day of each month to perform the exam.

Stand in front of a mirror unclothed and make a visual inspection. Look for changes in the size of only one breast. Normal menstrual cycles and other hormonally related variation will usually affect both the same. Look for any changes in size or color of the nipple or areola (the darker skin around the nipple). Note any wrinkling or 'orange peel' appearance that is not due to cold temperature. Most areola are round. Look for any lack of symmetry.

Squeeze a nipple gently and note any fluid that comes out. Some lactation is normal in some women. But yellowish, pus-like fluid is a reason to call your physician for a closer look. It may be a simple infection or it could be an early sign of a developing tumor. Repeat the procedure for the other nipple.

Check the breast for tumors by feeling carefully over the entire surface of the breast with your arms lowered. Make sure you include not just the surface from the breast bone to the side, but also up toward the armpit as well. Press your finger pass firmly moving your hand slowly as your feel for any thickening or lumps.

A lump could be nothing more than a simple cyst which is a fluid filled tissue sac. Often cysts are round and palpable. They are typically benign even though you might want to have them removed. Cysts usually fade spontaneously over time.

Cancerous lumps tend to be harder and less regular in shape. They are frequently attached to breast tissue. Not all hard lumps are cancerous either, so don't be unduly alarmed. Many are just what are called fibroadenomas, a benign clump of cells. Professional tests are required in order to know for sure.

Be very aware of any lumps that you notice changing in size. Cancer is malignant, uncontrolled growth and reproduction of cells in tissue. Cancerous tumors do not remain static, but instead increase in size and later can potentially spread to other areas of the body.

Continue the self exam by placing the arms overhead and then applying pressure all the way from the breastbone up to the armpit again. Repeat this process on both sides of the body.

While lying down you should perform the procedure again. First lower your arms, and then raise them overhead. Make sure to feel any changes, especially in instances where tissue has become hard. The procedure can also be done in the shower in an attempt to reduce the amount of friction on the skin, but I can sometimes be difficult to find changes or lumps with water beating up against your skin. You might want to use baby oil or lotion to reduce friction instead.

Women age 20 and over should be performing breast self-exams on a regular basis, and women over 40 should get a mammogram annually.