Breast Self Examination Part 1

Despite 30 years of solid research we are still far away from a cure for breast cancer. We do have a variety of newer treatments but none are curative. Now greater emphasis is being placed on prevention and screening for breast cancer. One of the best way to detect breast cancer early is to perform breast self exams. The sooner the breast cancer is detected, the greater is the chance of cure.

All women above the age of 20 should examine their breast. All women should have an idea what a normal breast feels like. Every woman should know the contour, shape, size and texture of their breast. This may take a few months but once this knowledge is acquired, any new changes in the breast can be easily detected.

One has to note that the breast does undergo changes as it grows and not every breast abnormality is a cancer. Even during the menstrual cycle the size of the breast may vary a little. Thus, it is essential to understand what the normal breast feels like. The majority of breast masses identified in young females are not cancerous. The few odd masses which are detected later in life are probably cancers just beginning to grow.

One should learn how to examine the breast from a physician or a nurse and then maintain a regular frequency. The first rule of the thumb is that the breast must be examined without any clothes. Wearing a bra and looking at the breast is meaningless.