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Breast Cancer. You Should to know

Breast Cancer Statistics and How to Perform a Breast Self Examination

Did you know that, according to the National Breast Cancer Coalition, a woman dies of breast cancer every eleven minutes? That is approximately 130 deaths each day.

As of this writing, for women who are between the ages of 15 and 54, breast cancer is the leading cause of death. It is the second leading cause of death for women between the ages of 55 and 74.

In 2002, the National Breast Cancer Coalition also claimed that one in every eight women living to age eighty-five will develop breast Cancer.

Currently, only 26% of breast cancer cases develop in women who posses any known risk factors. This means that the remaining 78% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have had no risk factors.

So, while it is important for “at-risk” women to conduct Breast Self Examinations (BSE) each month, it is also important for women who do not feel that they are at risk for developing breast cancer to conduct self examinations.

How to Perform a Breast Self Examination

After reaching the age of twenty, all women should examine their breasts once a month. For women who still get their menstrual periods, it is advised that the BSE take place seven to ten days after the start of the period, when any tenderness and swelling of the breast is over.

– Lie down so that your right arm is behind your head, and place a pillow under your right shoulder.

– With your left hand, use the top third of each of your three middle fingers (this portion of your fingers is referred to as your finger pads) to feel for lumps or thickening in your right breast.

– Learn what your breast typically feels like, and press heard enough to notice any changes. If you are unsure of how much pressure to apply, do not hesitate to ask your Health Care Provider. It is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast, but of course, if you are concerned, the best thing to do is to ask your Health Care Provider.

– Move your finger pads around the breast in a set pattern. Using the same pattern every month will help you to remember how your breasts typically feel. Make sure you go over the entire breast area, including the armpits.

–You examine your left breast in the same manner that you examined the right, only this time use the finger pads of your right hand. Next, you should check your breasts while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE. You may be able to visually notice changes in your breasts.

Conducting an extra BSE while you are in the shower is also a good idea. Because your hands are soapy, they glide over your skin, which makes it easy to examine your breasts.