Breast Cancer
... examination (BSE). The best time to perform a BSE is about a week after the menstrual cycle ends. For women that have irregular menstrual cycles it's recommended to perform the BSE on the same day of every month. The BSE is a quick and simple process. If you have a regular gynecologist or family physician they can give you information on how to perform the process properly or show you while performing it on you. Also, the American Cancer Association has directions on their website on how to perform it at: http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/load_cont.asp?ct=5&doc=14&Language=English. According to the American Cancer Association the process is as follows: Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk to your doctor or nurse. Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month. Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.) If you find any changes, see your doctor right away. Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy. ("American Cancer Association: Breast Cancer Resource Center" 17). Another risk reducing step of breast cancer, is a yearly routine mammogram for women ages 40 and over. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It's used to detect breast disease. The x-ray is usually performed while the person is in a upright position while standing. Separately, each breast is pressed between two metal plates while the x-ray machine takes pictures of the breast. This exam is extremely important and has been added to all health insurance policies as a payable benefit by the United States Health Department. According to "Breast Cancer Resource Center," the chance of developing breast cancer increases with age in women. About 77% of women with breast cancer are over age 50 at the time of diagnosis (3). For ages 40 and over a clinical breast examination should be performed by a medical professional each year. For ages 20 th...