How to Detect Breast Cancer

By Frank Vanderlugt

There's not much you can do to relaly avoid getting breast cancer, but there's an awful lot you can do about beating it if you're unfortunate enough to get the disease. Early detection is really important - and the way to detect breast cancer early is by examining your breasts properly every month.

The good news is - it's pretty easy to do.

What are the important things to note?

You need to look for any changes in your breasts from how they looked before. That may signal breast cancer - although it doesn't necessarily mean that, so keep calm! You will begin to recognise the feeling and appearance of your breasts and will be able to easiy detect any changes.

Most lumps, bumps, patches and other irregularities which you find will not be breast cancer; in fact, they won't be any disease at all - but you are taking the best possible precautionary measure against breast cancer by examining your breasts.

When should you start to examine your breasts?

Your twenties are the best time to begin breast exams, before breast cancer is likely and after puberty, when your breasts are fully developed. During puberty, breasts are often lumpy as they develop.

Start in your twenties should give you plenty of time to know what your breasts feel like when they are healthy, so you will know if there is a cause for concern - from breast cancer or any other medical issue.

Is there a good time to examine your breasts?

Breast exams should be carried out three to five days after your menstrustion ends. If you are already through the menopause, congratulations on taking this great move towards controlling breast cancer and looking after your health - and you should use a memorable date, such as your birthdate.

How to conduct a breast examination

First, examine your breasts in a mirror. They may not look the same size. That's normal and nothing to worry about; nearly all women have one breast that is larger.

You should look out for any change in the size or shape of your breasts or their normal position, as well as any changes in skin tone from your previous breast exams. Any puckering, soreness or change in skin color should be noted as that too can be a sign of breast cancer or some other disease. Look closely at your nipples too and watch out for any soreness, any flaking skin or a change in the way your nipples point from when you last examined them.

Then put your hands on your hips, turn to the side and look at your breasts from different angles so that you can see all of your breasts. Be aware of any changes in the shape of your breasts from previous exams; your breasts may differ from each other in shape though.

Check that there is no nipple discharge, even if they are lightly squeezed.

Make sure there are no lumps in your armpit. People often don't know that breast cancer can show up there, rather than the breast itself.

Put one of your hands at the back your head, which tends to flatten out your breast and any lumps will be easier to feel. Press your fingertips gently all over your breast. To make sure you cover the whole area, do this up and down first, then round in circles, radiating out from your nipple. Remember to examine both breasts - and your nipples themselves.

If you find a worrying change in your breast, or a lump, stay calm. Remember almost all breasts lumps and discoloration are not breast cancer. Regular breast exams will help you detect problems early - speak to your doctor if you find a lump or a change in the texture and colour of your breasts and the skin on them. It probably won't be breast cancer, but your doctor may still be able to help.

About the Author:

Frank J. Vanderlugt owns and operates www.2pis.com.

Article courtesy of www.goarticles.com.