October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I saw something on TV today that said if everyone donated just 50 cents we could make a HUGE impact on funding for research. I can definitely afford 50 cents! Unfortunately we all probably know someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by breast cancer. I remember hearing a girl in my graduate program speak about her journey with breast cancer. She was one of the rarities who was afflicted with breast cancer at a very young age. She spoke about how she had routinely performed self breast exams and one month found a lump. When she mentioned it to her doctor, screening was performed however the doctor did not suspect someone so young would suffer from breast cancer so she did not receive adequate screening and diagnostic tests. Her cancer was diagnosed when it had already metastasized years later and she spoke about her struggle and how she wanted women to know that cancer has no boundaries. Women of all ages and races can be afflicted and the best treatment is early diagnosis. So, remember your self breast exams and consider donating just 50 cents.
How to do a Breast Self-Examination
In the Shower
Breast Self-Exam Step 1
Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine left breast, left hand for right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.
Before a Mirror
Breast Self-Exam Step 2
Inspect your breasts with arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of skin or changes in the nipple. Then rest palm on hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match – few women’s breasts do.
Lying Down
Breast Self-Exam Step 3
Place pillow under right shoulder, right arm behind your head. With fingers of left hand flat, press right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
Source: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms#inflammatory-breast-cancer
Links:
http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2
http://www.munchkin.com/projectpink/?eml=projectpink
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