usually hurt, if a spot on your breast causes pain, it does not generally indicate cancer. However, should still be examined.A self-exam is an attempt to find irregular lumps in the breast. If done correctly, it lowers the risk of cancer reaching an advanced stage.You should begin giving yourself self exams in your late teens or early twenties and continue for life.Self exams should be performed once a month.Do not perform self-exams before your period. The correct time is ten days after your period or as soon after as possible.There are two aspects to performing a self-exam, visually observing the breast and feeling the breast, which is called Palpitation.A visual self exam should be performed as follows. First, visually observe the normal appearance of breast in order to establish a reference point. Then look for irregularities in size, shape, and skin color.Palpitation should be performed as follows: Feel left breast with right hand with tips of three longest fingers. Note lumps or changes from last exam. Repeat process with right breastLie back with pillow under right shoulder and right arm behind your head. Examine right breast with three longest fingers of left hand. Examine entire breast for lumps. Repeat process with left breast.A lump in the armpit may sometimes warn of breast cancer and should be examined.Self- examinations should be supplemented by a doctors physical exam. A doctor has more experience and might find a lump youll miss.A mammogram is the single most effective way of finding cancer early.Annual mammograms are suggested in the following cases.-if a lump is discovered through physical examination.-if you have a family history of breast cancer-for all women over 40-for women with a previous breast cancer -for women who have had a high risk benign tumorYou must carefully choose a reliable mammogram facility because some facilities can be of low quality. When choosing a mammogram facility consider these factors...
