BREAST CANCER AWARENESS~#2~HOW TO PERFORM SELF BREAST EXAMS

Listen up!  This could save your life!!  Here's a great video I found on YouTube about BSE's or Breast Self Examinations. It shows the three proper techniques of how to check your breasts for abnormalites and lumps. After the video, there's a link to the Susan G. Komen site for more information.  I listed some highlights to remember from there just in case you don't have time to go there.  This video was created in the UK and the instructor has a really cool, soothing voice.

The following information was taken from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website at the following link:

http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=5310

Breast Self-Exam


Breast Self Awareness
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.


Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:


1. Know your risk


Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
2. Get screened


Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
3. Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:


Lump, hard knot or thickening
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices


Maintain a healthy weight
Add exercise into your routine
Limit alcohol intake




Breast Self-Exam (BSE) Instructional Tool
Breast self-exam (BSE) is a tool that may help you learn what is normal for you. BSE involves looking at and feeling your breasts. Women who practice BSE should also be sure to get mammograms and clinical breast exams at the appropriate age. BSE should not be substituted for these screening tests.


This is a great start on building your awareness about breast cancer and how to protect yourself. I'll see what else I can find for next week's post!

In the meantime, let's lighten up a scary subject with a little humor!  Watch this!

Take Care,
Kathleen