Breast Cancer- Self Examination!

Breast cancer, is a type of cancer, which is common to women, where cancer cells grow on the breasts or the female mammary gland. It starts out with the formation of a small lump in your breast and can spread out to your other organs very rapidly. It generally affects women above forty years of age. Breast cancer can be classified into two types. They can either start forming on the inner linings of your milk ducts ( known as Ductal carcinoma) or in the lobules which supply milk (known as Lobular carcinoma).

There are many causes responsible for breast cancer they are mentioned below: 

• Obesity or post-menopausal obesity (Learn more about Heart Diseases Post Menopause)
• Exposure to frequent radiation (X-ray)
• Consumption of alcohol
• Being taller than average
• Start of periods at an early age
• Late menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Consumption of birth control pills

The most common symptoms of breast cancer are as follows: 

1. Formation of a lump in your breast
2. Swelling or shrinking of your breast
3. Change of size, shape and color of your nipple
4. Blood or milk discharge from the nipple
5. Breast pain
6. Itching sensation
7. Appearance of rashes (Learn more about to maintain the skin health)

How Do I Do a Breast Self-Exam?

If you choose to do one, follow these steps:

In the mirror:

1. Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. If they aren’t equal in size or shape, that’s OK! Most women's breasts aren't. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any breast skin changes. Look for any puckering, dimpling, sores, or discoloration.
2. Check your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in their direction.
3. Place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can look at the outer part of your breasts.
4. Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in their shape or contour.
5. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to look at the border underneath them. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see it.
6. Check your nipples for discharge fluid. Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast.