NEWS

MYTHS AND FACTS ASSOCIATED WITH SELF BREAST EXAMINATION

• Self Breast Examination (SBE) is a procedure followed to be aware of own breast and for noticing associated changes that might occur periodically.
• SBE is an important screening tool especially when combined with regular physical examinations by physician, routine mammograms.
• SBE is a convenient and no cost tool that can be performed regularly and at any age.
• SBE helps in women being familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any changes to a health care provider right away.

• ALL BREAST LUMPS ARE CANCEROUS – Not all breast lumps are cancer.
• BREAST CANCER IS PAINFUL – Most breast cancer lumps are painless and become painful only in advanced cases.
• DAILY EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED – Breast normally undergoes periodical changes due to fluctuating hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle.
• LARGER BREASTS RESULT IN INCREASED CHANCES OF BREAST CANCER -

• 1. Initial demonstration by physician to be aware of the correct procedure to follow.
• 2. Choose the time of examination based upon your menstrual cycle – Ideally one week after the period.
• 3. SBE includes both visually inspecting and hand examination of the breasts.
• 4. Visual inspection includes looking for changes in the skin, nipple abnormalities, and irregularities in size, shape, symmetry.
• 5. Visual inspection is done by standing in front of mirror and visualizing all aspects of the breast including the lower aspect of breast fold.
• 6. Hand examination of breast includes looking for areas of pain, lump and changes in the nipple.
• 7. Hand examination of breast should be performed in lying down position and also can be done during a shower.

• 1. Visualise the breasts by standing in front of mirror with shoulders straight and arms on hips – Notice for skin changes, changes in size shape and symmetry along with nipple changes.
• 2. Raise your arms and look for the same as described as above.
• 3. Look for nipple discharge.
• 4. Examination of breasts on lying down by feeling the breast from front to back and in circular motions to notice for lump and pain.
• 5. Repeat the examination in sitting position.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A LUMP?
DO NOT PANIC – most women have lumps/ lumpiness at all times.

CONSULT A DOCTOR FOR FURTHER EVALUATION.

Lifestyle modifications those are essential to be inculcated to reduce the incidence of breast cancer are:

• 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity and 75- 150 minutes of intense activity per week helps in reducing the incidence of breast cancer by 20-40%.
• Maintain an ideal weight and consuming fresh nutritious food is known to reduce the incidence of breast cancer by avoiding obesity.
• Avoid the consumption of Alcohol and Smoking.
• Encourage breast feeding for adequate duration; each year of breast feeding helps reduce the incidence of breast cancer by 4%.
• Early child bearing is protective against breast cancer.
• Avoid usage of hormone replacement therapy as it is known to increase the incidence of breast cancer.