Northeast Georgia Health System talked about breast self-exam. They shared a guide about breast self-exams in which they mentioned breast self-exams, why self-screen, when to self-screen, who should screen and the steps of self-screening. This detection can save Women’s lives.
The Imaging Centers of Northeast Georgia Medical Center are ready to serve women in a safe and clean environment. They are proud to offer mammograms, education, support and early detection services to help increase awareness of breast cancer. Early detection can save lives.
A breast self-exam is a step-by-step method women can use to examine their breasts. Breast self-exams can be an essential screening tool, primarily when combined with regular physical exams and yearly mammograms.
The NGHS guide said that a breast self-exam is an inspection of women’s breasts that women can do independently without the physician’s help. Performing a breast self-exam will help women notice any critical changes.
They also talked about the timing of self-screening. They said that a self-exam should be done once a month. They also noted that becoming familiar with their breasts makes it easy for women to notice any changes from one month to another.
They guide the adult women of all ages to do breast self-exam. They said that women should do self-screening when they notice changes like new lumps in the breast or underarms, nipple discharge and changes in breasts or nipple shape.
At the last, the NGHS mentioned the steps for self-screening. They cited five steps for self-screening, which are written below-
- Stand in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and hands on the hips and look for
- Unusual discoloration
- Drainage from the nipples
- Puckering
- Dimpling or scaly skin
2. Raise arms and look for the same changes as above.
3. While standing, use three fingers of the right hand to feel the left breast with the finger pads, keeping fingers flat. Use a circular motion and cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side.
4. Repeat step 3 on the other breast.
5. Repeat step 3 while lying down.
They mentioned in their guide that many women find it easier to feel changes when their skin is wet. The Women should try performing this self-exam in the shower.
