Breast Self -examination Techniques

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Then look for the following: · breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color. · breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention: · dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin. · a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out). · redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. Be sure to feel all the breast tissue: just beneath your skin with a soft touch and down deeper with a firmer touch. Begin examining each area with a very soft touch, and then increase pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue, down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Examine your breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Once a patient has symptoms suggestive of a breast cancer or an abnormal screening mammogram, they will usually be referred for a diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is another set of x-rays; however, it is more complete with close ups on the suspicious areas.

Depending on the results of the mammograms and/or ultrasounds, your doctors may recommend that you get a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have cancer, because it allows your doctors to get cells that can be examined under a microscope.

Once the tissue is removed, a doctor known as a pathologist will review the specimen and inform you of the presence or absence of cancer.

Monthly breast self-examination is recommended for all women above 20 years old. This includes women who have gone through menopause, are pregnant, breastfeeding, and those who have breast implants. This is done to detect breast changes that may lead to breast cancer. Performing breast self examinations regularly can help women become familiar with their breasts and become more skilled at determining what is and what is not normal.

Pomegranates May Prevent Breast Cancer

Pomegranate juice could be the next estrogen-responsive breast cancer treatment. A new lab study has demonstrated promising results when evaluating the use of pomegranate juice, a juice rich in antioxidants, as a way of fighting off and preventing breast cancer.

Researchers from the Ohio State University discovered that the large red fruit filled with juicy seeds naturally produces a chemical known as ellagic acid, which seems to help slow and even prevent the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue.
In a lab, the team studied the effects of ten ellagitannin-derived compounds produced by pomegranates, which are thought to potentially prevent estrogen-related breast cancer. They considered the effects of the ten compounds on the growth of breast cancer cells and aromatase activity. Of the ten ellagitannin-derived compounds studied, the researchers discovered urolithin B was the standout in the fight against breast cancer.

Researchers have created a scale called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity scale (ORAC) which measures the antioxidant level in fruits and vegetables. Dr. David Hnida, a CBS3 medical editor said, “The higher the number on the scale, the more antioxidants and disease-fighting chemicals in the food.” Researchers have measured antioxidant levels in over 200 different fruits and vegetables. Those at the top of the list include blueberries, plums, blackberries, raspberries, dark grapes, apples and strawberries.

Experts aren’t recommending substituting pomegranates for prescribed medicine yet, we may see the fruit being used in breast cancer treatment and prevention efforts eventually. In the meantime, women may want to add a daily pomegranate to their daily diet as an extra effort to ward off the leading form of cancer found in women.

Breast Cancer