Breast Self Examination; NACC [Georgia, Tbilisi, 2001]

How to do Breast Self Examination

Recommendations for Breast Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

It should be taken in to account 3 000 females are getting cancer and 2 000 are dying because of this disease annualy in Georgia. First rank place in females oncological disease structure takes breast cancer. 50-60 females form each 100 000 are getting cancer of this localization and these figure has the tendency of raise. According to epidemiological study of cancer occurance high risk of breast cancer is estimated in female population of Tbilisi, Abkhazeti and Adjara regions.

It is possible to avoid the breast cancer and it's related death
Breast cancer development for many monthes and years is preceeded by precancer diseases and phonic processes, detection and treatment of which may allow to avoid the cancer. Due to formation of high risk groups and conduction of periodical preventive examiantions the early detection of precancer and phonic diseases is possible. The total cure of 90-1000% of cases is possible in arly stages. But on other hand neglection of symptoms causes the disease's progression and the chances of survival in advanced forms significantly are decreasing.

Risk factors

Age up to 40 years, and especially 50 years;

Reproductive period prolongation (starting of cycle before the 12 years old age and it's interraption in 50 years old age);

Presence of relatives with breast cancer (mother, sister, grandmother and etc.);

Infertility;

Marriage, first pregnancy and delivery after the 28 years old age.

Symptoms of cancer and phonic diseases

Breast pain;

Breast pain and enlargement a week prior to menstruation;

Presence of breastnodule;

Changes of breast shape and form;

Breast skin shrinking;

Intrusion of breast nipple (umblication);

Exudation from the breast (yellowish-bloody spots on the busgalther).
In case of presence of theses symptoms immediately visit the doctor for examination.

Diagnostic methods for intime and early detection of pathological processes

Braest preventive self-examination on every month;

Physical examination by specialist (mammologist, gynecologist, oncologist) of breast (once in every 3 year in 20-39 years old age, once in every 2 year in 40-49 years old age, annualy after 50 years old age);

Radiological (mammography) and/or ultrasound breast examination (first mammography in 40 years old age, once in every 2-3 year in 40-49 years old age, once in every 1-2 year after 50 years old age).

Why the self-examination should be conducted
There are numerous reasons why the breast self-examiantion should be performed per month. This procedure is quite a simple and as frequently conducted more practical experience could be gained. When you know the normal status of your breast you are able to detect any changes timely and easily. The early detection of pathological condition is the background for successful treatment and cure.

When the self-examination should be conducted
The optimal time for breast self-examination is the period after the completion of menstrual cycle, when the are not oedemated and sensitive. In case of irregular cycle or it's interruption (menopausa), self-examination is recommended on same days of each month (e.g. first days of each month).

How the self-examination should be conducted

Lay on the bad, put the pillow under your right arm and the rigth hand under your head;

By the pillows (ends) of your left hand middle three fingers start the examination of right breast - for detection of nodule or density;

Due to the pillows your fingers press the breast by adequate power to feel it's consistantion;

Exemine your breast by the movement of fingers pillows consistently on following directions (see the picture)

1. Circular direction;

2. Longtidunal direction;

3. Radial direction;

During the examination try to encompass the whole breast and remember how the your normal breast feels;

According the same rule examine the left breasr by right hand;

Breast self-examination also could be conducted taking the shower. In such cases breast is examining in vertical situation, according to same rules, by soupy hands;

In order of extra security, after the completion of self-examination, stand in front of mirror and evaluate your breast: are there any visual changes of nipple or skin (changes of breast shape, oedema, redness, skin shrinking, intrusion of nipple, exudation and etc).

In case of detection of any changes during breast self-examination, immediately visit the doctor.

Remember!

The vast majority of tumours are detected due to self-examination;

Most of the detected nodules are not malignant and their treatmernt could alow to avoid the cancer.

Due to regular breast self-examination you can save your breast and life

Weleda & NaturaPharm
Financed the edition of NACC booklet: "How to do breast self examination" (Recommendations for breast cancer prevention and early detection) "-authors: V. Tkeshelashvili, G. Nemsadze. The booklet is proposed for females screening preparation at the beginning of secondary prevention. Cost of publishing- 500 US $. >>>