| Breast Self Exam
Women have been
told, based on eight large clinical trials, that mammograms can reduce their
risk of dying of breast cancer by some 30 percent. Two Danish researchers
published a new analysis of those trials, casting doubt on the earlier
conclusions. The two researchers said some of the trials were unacceptably
flawed and others were of very poor quality.
The only studies that were
methodologically reliable, they found, showed no difference in death rates
between women who got the test and those who did not.
Largely because of
over diagnosis, an estimated 203,500 cases of breast cancer were projected to be
reported in 2002.
- There is always a risk of
damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to any radiation.
- A normal mammogram does not
guarantee that breast cancer is not present.
- Mammograms do not prevent
breast cancer or reduce a woman's risk of developing cancer.
It misses 1 in 5 cancerous tumors, and flags a large number of spots that turn
out not to be cancer.
- MRI and Digital mammography
exposes you to radiation.
- All radiation exposure for
breast screening promotes breast cancer.
- Ultrasound can be a better and
safer diagnostic test.
- Breast Self Exam can help you
detect irregularities before they can bee seen on mammogram. Tumors usually
have been developing for at least eight years before they are detectable by
mammogram.
- Thermography is a healthier,
safer, and more effective diagnostic test that does not promote cancer.
See
Prevent Cancer for more information
Do this monthly for your health
|
Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror
with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Here's what you should look for:
- 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
|
Breast Self Exam - Step 1
|
|
Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same
changes. |
Steps 2 and 3
|
| Step 3:
While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of
one or both nipples (this could be a watery, 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 finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use
a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.
Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your
collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your
cleavage.
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. You can also move your fingers up and down
vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down
approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all
the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and
tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue
in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in
the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to
feel down to your ribcage. |
- Step 4
|
| Step 5:
Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women
find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is
wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your
entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4. |
- Step 5
|
thermography
women
This website is
brought to you as a free public service by Creating Health Institute,
a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
We ask that you consider making a tax-deductible donation
|
