| Breast cancer is a commonly seen cancer among | | | | and makes the detection of any tumors that |
| women. Every woman should be aware of any | | | | much easier. Then using the soft, flat part of the |
| changes that appear in her breasts. The majority | | | | fingers of the opposite hand, gently palpate or |
| of breast cancer cases occur in women aged | | | | feel the breast tissues, outlining the normal curves |
| over 50. The incidence increases with age. The | | | | of the breasts and noting whether any small |
| stage at which a woman has breast cancer | | | | masses are developing either within the breast |
| diagnosed greatly influences her survival chances. | | | | tissue itself or up in the armpit. Then place the |
| The earlier the detection, the greater is the | | | | pillow under the other shoulder and carry out the |
| chances of survival. | | | | same procedure, using the other hand. |
| Women from the lower socio-economic class and | | | | It is suggested that before menopause, normal |
| women living in rural areas have a lower risk. | | | | breasts feel different at different times of the |
| Having a baby before the age of 20 has a | | | | month. The milk producing tissues in the breast |
| protective effect. The risk of breast cancer is | | | | become active in the days before a period starts. |
| more in women who have had their first baby | | | | In some women, the breast feels tender and |
| after the age of 35. In this article you will learn | | | | lumpy, especially near the armpits. After a |
| how to self examine your breasts for breast | | | | hysterectomy, the breasts usually show the |
| cancer. Here is a five point plan for routine self | | | | same differences every month until the time |
| examination: | | | | when the periods would have stopped. After |
| 1. Know what shape and size of the breast is | | | | menopause, activity in the milk producing tissues |
| normal for you. | | | | stops. Normal breasts feel soft and less firm. |
| 2. Carefully examine the look and feel. | | | | They are not lumpy either. |
| 3. Know what changes to look for. | | | | Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide |
| 4. Report any changes without delay. | | | | health advice and is for general information only. |
| 5. Go in for breast screening regularly around the | | | | Always seek the insights of a qualified health |
| age of 40 or above. Go in for mammography. | | | | professional before embarking on any health |
| Every young woman should know how to | | | | program. |
| examine her own breasts after each menstrual | | | | Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. |
| period. Before dressing, lie on your back with a | | | | If you want to use this article on your website or |
| small pillow under the shoulder on the side you are | | | | in your ezine, make all the URL's (links) active. |
| examining. This tends to flatten out the breast | | | | |