How to detect Breast cancer?

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Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, when undetected this dangerous lump will lead to nothing but the end of the woman's most precious bounty or life. A statistics states that one woman in eight who lives up to the age of 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime and it is the leading cause of death in women between the age of 40 to 55. To safeguard yourself from such pain and trauma read the article that states all about breast self-exams, along with clinical breast exams and mammography to raise your awareness of your breast health.

Your Breast cancer detection plan should include,

• Clinical breast examination every year from the age of 20
• Baseline mammogram by the age of 40 and mammogram every year for women 50 and older. If you have a family history of breast cancer then have mammograms more often.
• A low-fat diet is a must with regular exercise. Avoid smoking or drinking.
• Look for any changes in your breast every month at home with the the help of self examination method. This should be done by women above 20 years. At this early age small lumps may be normal breast gland and ducts. However over the period of time you will get used to the examination and will be able to detect if any new lump has appeared on the chest. It is advisable to check the breasts a few days after the periods when the breasts aren't so sore.

Breast - Self Exam

Here are few methods that you can follow at home.

• Before a mirror - Unclothe yourself and stand in front of the mirror with the arms at your sides. Inspect your breast facing forward and while turning from side to side. Look for any signs of dimpling, puckering and change in size or shape or symmetry of breasts. Check to see if your nipples are turned or inverted. Now place your hand on your hips and look for the same signs. You can do the same with your hands raised overhead or palms pressed together.
• In the shower - lather your fingers and breasts with soap to have a smooth glide over your wet skin. Now with your fingers flat move gently over every part of each breast in circular motion. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening and changes in your breasts. Make sure to place the left hand behind your head and examine your left breast with your right hand and vice versa.
• On the bed - place a pillow under your right shoulder, right arm behind your head. With the help of your left hand press the right breast gently in circular motions covering the entire breast. Use light medium and firm pressure. Repeat the steps for your left breast also.

No matter which technique you choose, be sure to check your nipple for any discharge and lumps at the end. Do this by gently squeezing the nipple with your finger. If you find a lump don't panic, as eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. However do not neglect the situation call the doctor for an appointment.

Breast self-exams alone don't reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer. Therefore combine breast self-exams with clinical breast exams and mammography, to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Breast self-exams has the potential only to identify and treat a cancerous breast lump while it's still small and in an early stage of development. A research states that wen breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%. Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today with the help of this self exam. So rejoice the cancer can be prevented with basic knowledge and simple awareness and you have just taken the first step.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.