Breast Cancer Self Examination

Many women still ask me if they are at risk of breast cancer. Off course, if you are a woman you are at some risk of breast cancer. Its too naïve to think that if your mother or sibling or other family members were never diagnosed with the cancer, you are forever safe. The truth with cancer is that you need to be diagnosed very early to survive. And the easiest thing to do is to check your breasts for lumps every month. Diarise this date if you have to and just quickly in the shower feel your breasts.

Breast Self Examination

A sad fact is that, only a few of us know how to properly self-examine our breasts.

1. Start with the obvious, the shape. Breast shape changes with age and with our menstrual cycle. The best time for you to notice any changes in breast shapes is not during your period. Compare your breasts as they are supposed to look very similar.

2. Then feel your breasts for any lumps . Remember your breasts are supposed to have lumps but get any suspicious lump tested. Again, your breasts will feel differently during your period. It’s a natural hormonal process that also affects your breasts.

3. Check the skin colour. You may notice a strange redness in your skin or any different skin colour. That could be a bad sign.

4. If there is any dimpling of the skin, don’t just relax. That can be another early sign for you.

5. Act fast if you feel any pain in one breast.

6. Check the position of your nipple. Its not supposed to change drastically.

7. If you do notice any of the abnormal changes mentioned above, go to see your doctor. You may need to do a scan to check your breasts. Just remember to do your annual check-up to stay aware of the state of your breasts.

Knowing your body is the best health and wellness tool you need. Listen to your intuition and take care of yourself. Fitness, good body weight and a good balanced diet are still the best prevention tools we all have. Use them and stay safe. But remember; they are not the substitute for your medical tests.

Learn how a nutritional therapist cured her own breast cancer by following a diet rich in antioxidants and other dietary supplements.(opens in new window)

Breast Cancer Quotes

"Cancer is a word, not a sentence." John Diamond

"My cancer scare changed my life. I'm grateful for every new, healthy day I have. It has helped me prioritize my life." Olivia Newton-John

Bill Hemmer: "You said cancer changes your life, and oftentimes for the better." Joel Siegel: "Yes.... Gilda Radner... said this in her book. What cancer does is, it forces you to focus, to prioritize, and you learn what's important. I mean, I don't sweat the small stuff. I used to get angry at cab drivers. It's not worth it.... And when somebody says you have cancer, you realize it's all small stuff. And what Gilda said is, if it weren't for the downside, everyone would want to have it. But there is a downside." American Morning, CNN, 13 June 2003