time to feel the tata's...by dr. fung

Monthly breast self-exams (BSE), annual clinical breast exams by your doctor, and screening mammograms are part of keeping in optimal health. It is important that we get to know our breasts so that we can detect changes as early as possible. If there is a change noted, it is critical to consult with your doctor immediately. Not all lumps are cancer but all lumps and breast changes need to have follow up medical examination. Think of a BSE like a monthly ritual that involves examining your breast tissue in an organized way through feel and visual inspection, to note any changes in the breast tissue from month to month. You can do a portion of the exam while you are in shower. Incorporating it into a normal activity can make it easier to do, and less of a time constraint. Remember to mark your calendar every month as a reminder. If you are still menstruating, perform the BSE 2-3 days after the end of your period. If you are not having periods, choose a day of the month and stick with it. Women taking oral contraceptives should do the exam on the first day of starting a new pack of pills. You can also choose a friend who will be your BSE Buddy. She can remind you and vice versa to do the exam monthly. Look and be familiar with your breasts:  Remember, it is normal that one breast may be a different size or shape than the other. Look at your breast in front of a mirror. Are they round and falling symmetrically? Are the nipples pointing in the same direction? Is the skin smooth? Are there any skin changes like dimpling, rashes, rough spots, or irritation? Any tugging in an area like a pulled string?  Raise up your arms above your head. Turn from side to side. Any changes between the 2 sides?  Put your hands on your waist and push down like a body builder. Any changes? Any pulling or tugging noted in an area? Do the nipples look the same with the position changes and pressure? How do I perform a Breast Self-Exam?  Lie down and place your right arm behind your head. The exam is done while lying down, not standing up. This is because when lying down, the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.  Create a rectangular pattern that starts under midway in your arm pit, down to below your breast at the bra line, over to the breast bone (sternum) and up to the collar bone. This pattern includes breast tissue and lymph nodes beyond the breast itself.  With your middle 3 fingers, start making quarter-sized circles over the same area with light, moderate, and deeper pressure. Basically, you should be feeling for the top skin layer, the fatty tissue layer, and the muscle and bone underneath. Then crawl 2 fingers down to the next site and repeat the small circles. It is best to keep your place by not moving your fingers up off the site. A good method is to move up and down the rectangle pattern like mowing the lawn. Be sure to include your nipple in the palpation. Repeat on the opposite breast. We hope that this helpful information encourages you to make BSE a part of your life. Be your own best friend and health advocate, and encourage your friends and family to get started!