Breast Health
There are a multitude of breast disorders including breast pain, cancer, cysts, fibrocystic breast disease, fibrous breast lumps, breast infection, and nipple discharge. It is therefore very important to regularly examine your breasts and report any irregularities to your doctor.
Breast Examination
- While standing before a mirror, undressed to the waist, check breasts for lumps, dimpling, and/or puckering.
- Now, clasp the hands behind the head, and look for any changes in the breasts.
- Next, look for breast changes while standing with hand on hips and pressing elbows and shoulders forward.
- Raise the right arm behind the head and circle the right breast with 3-4 flat fingers, feeling for lumps and/or irregularities. Repeat on the left side.
- Also, check the nipples for any discharge or bleeding by gently squeezing the nipple.
- Next, while lying on the bed with the right arm behind the head and the right shoulder resting on a folded towel, feel the inner upper quadrant of the breast using the flat part of the fingers. Repeat this for the lower inner quadrant. Then, lower the arm to the side and feel the lower outer quadrant. Repeat this for the upper outer quadrant. Examine armpit. Repeat this procedure for the left breast.
Symptoms of Breast Disorders
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Lumps
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Swelling
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Puckering
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Dimpling
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Contour changes
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Scaly skin
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Nipple changes (i.e. turning inward)
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Nipple discharge
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Breast pain
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Warmness
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Redness
Mammograms
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Should be done every 1-2 years starting at age 40 and done yearly starting at age 50
Benefits of Wearing a Bra
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Supports the breasts
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Prevents tissue strain
