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Cancer Information Tips :: How to Check for Breast Cancer
How to Check for Breast Cancer: Three Ways How to Check for Breast Cancer
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How to check for breast cancer is important for every woman to understand.
It is important for women to be aware of the risks of developing breast cancer, how to check for breast cancer, the questions to ask their doctor and screening options that are available to them.
Self-Examination
Nobody knows how your breasts feel and look better than you. It is important to do regular self-examinations, and if you don't know how to, you should find out how to.
Check for breast cancer once a month so you can stay on top of your body's changes.
A breast self-examination is best done a few days after your period, when your breasts are less sensitive and lumpy.
There are a lot of online resources and pamphlets available that give in-depth instructions on how to check for breast cancer and how to do a proper self-examination.
Doctor Examination
If you are over 40, your doctor should do a breast exam during your yearly physical.
Having a doctor do a manual breast exam in addition to your regular self-examinations is one of the best ways to find breast cancer early since they know better than anyone how to check for breast cancer.
Your doctor will be looking for changes to the appearance of your breasts, like puckering or dimpling, unusual thickening, hard lumps, unusual discharge and increases in your breasts' sizes.
A doctor's breast examination will involve looking at your breasts while you are upright, with arms relaxed, upright and on your hips. It will also involved an examination while you are prone with your arms by your side.
Mammograms
Mammograms aren't the most pleasant experience for a woman - they can be downright uncomfortable - but they are a necessity when checking for breast cancer.
A special x-ray designed to take pictures of the breasts, a mammogram machine has a shelf where the breast rests while the x-ray machine supplies pressure. Pressure is required to spread out the breast and get the best x-ray possible.
Women over 40 should consult their doctor about scheduling regular mammograms. If you have a family history of breast cancer, consulting your doctor at an earlier age is advisable.
What to Look For & What to Ask
If you are doing a breast examination, you are mainly looking for new lumps or tissue that feels different from how your breasts usually feel.
A lump is not always indicative of cancer, but if you find unusual or persistent lumps or notice a change in the skin or nipple, you should consult a doctor.
Your doctor will best know how to check for breast cancer, but it is up to you as the patient to ask questions about your symptoms and give information about differences you note.
Don't be afraid to ask for a biopsy or a mammogram if you find a lump or are in a high risk group.
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CancerInfoTips.com :: How to Check for Breast Cancer