In The Venue

Regardless of what has been stated on the news in recent weeks, breast cancer self exams still save lives.  In fact, if you visit an oncology treatment center, you will not hear the mantra that it is a waste of time because it only causes women to panic.  Instead, you will be given pamphlets, and possibly even a sample breast to help you learn how to detect a lump before it gets out of control.

Information Please

Recently, I asked an oncology (cancer) nurse if she could supply me with current materials on the subject of breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.  I assumed I might get a handful of pamphlets or something.  Instead, she put a large paper bag full of different resources into my car. Frankly, it came as a surprise that even an oncology center would have that much information to give away on one type of cancer.

After sifting through some of the material, I am sure that self exams for breast cancer should not be a thing of the past.  In fact, why fix what is not broken?  It has been proven that the survival rate for breast cancer improves substantial, if the cancer is caught early.

Seen and Unseen

Did you know that there are two kinds of breast cancer lumps that have nothing to do with size?  Women with breast cancer may have lumps they can see but not feel; or, they may have lumps they can feel but not see. It sounds strange, but it is true.  In fact, in order to perform a proper monthly exam, you will need the services of a mirror. The lumps that you will not be able to feel will appear as dimples or puckers in the breast tissue that should not be there.  In other words, your breast will not look quite right.  You will need to get familiar with your body, so that you will recognize if something in your breast is different.

The other type of breast cancer lumps are the ones that can be felt, but they are far enough under the surface of the skin that you cannot see them.  In order to understand about this type of cell distortion, the doctor may give you a small sample that is constructed to feel and look like a miniature breast.

You can use it to teach yourself how to see and feel for lumps.  However, as you begin to feel for the unseen lump that you know is there, it will become quite clear that it requires a little bit more than a light touch.  You will have to manipulate the breast and push quite firmly to explore all of the breast tissue. The offending lump may be smaller than the size of a pea, and it can be back toward the chest wall or armpit.

When to Check for Breast Cancer

For women that are still menstruating, the best time to check for a lump in the breast is 7-10 days after their periods.  For those that do not have regular cycles or have already gone through menopause, it is important to pick a day, and stick with it.  For example, some women simply prefer to pick the first of each month, while others pick a birthday day of the month.  It really does not matter when, as long as they remember to do the exam.  If this is a problem, buy some cute stickers and place them on the calendar on the particular day chosen.

When checking for breast cancer lumps, some women actually prefer that their partner do the exam.  Oftentimes, the partner is more likely to notice a change or a lump.  A lot of ladies opt to do the exam in the shower.  After lightly soaping the breast, place the arm up and behind the head.  With the other hand, make small dime-sized circular motions.  Remember, a lump can be very small.  Therefore, women that use larger sweeping motions might miss what they are look for in the first place.

Alternatively, it might be easier for some ladies to check for breast cancer lumps while lying flat on their backs.  Gravity helps spread the breast out when lying down. Thus, it may be easier to detect a lump.

In short, forget what people in the news are suggesting is a waste of time.  Do not stop doing breast cancer self exams.  It only takes a couple of minutes a month and it can save your life.  If you are not quite sure if you are doing the exam properly, talk to you doctor.  Ask an oncologist. Take advantage of all of those pamphlets and magazines in the waiting room. Learn more about your body and how to detect any changes. Then, if you are the one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer, your odds of survival are greater.