Introduction
Welcome to your personal self-management center for cancer care. This General tab is designed to empower you on your health journey.
In this section, you will find:
- Self-Exam Instructions: Detailed, evidence-based guides to perform effective self-exams.
Remember, your informed participation, along with professional care, is key to your well-being. We invite you to explore and use these tools regularly.
Let's start this journey of empowerment and self-care together!
Breast Self-Exam
Frequency:
Monthly, 7-10 days after the start of your menstrual period.
Steps:
- Visual Inspection.
- Palpation.
- Keep in mind.
Areas to examine:
Breasts, armpits, and the area from the neck down to the collarbone.
Warning signs:
Lumps, changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, changes in size or shape.
Visual Inspection
In front of the mirror, arms at your sides.
- Observe for any visible changes in the shape, size, or symmetry of the breasts.
Arms raised above your head.
- Raise your arms and look for changes in the skin, such as dimpling or indentations.
Hands pressing against your hips.
- Press your hips to tense the chest muscles and check for any irregularities in the skin or nipples.
Palpation
Use the pads of your fingers.
- With the fingertips, feel the breast tissue for lumps or hardenings.
Circular motions.
- Make circular movements and follow a pattern, up and down, and from the center outward. Ensuring you cover the entire breast area.
Keep in mind
Look for nipple discharge
- At the end of the breast palpation, find out whether there is a nipple discharge by squeezing the areola using thumb and middle finger.
Perimeter of the breast
- Anatomically, breast tissue extends superiorly from the second rib or clavicle, medially to the lateral border of the sternum, inferiorly to the sixth rib and laterally to the Latissimus Dorsi muscle
Palpation of the breasts
- Palpate the breast using middle three fingers to identify thickened areas and or lumps. Use the palmar surfaces of the fingers (flat surface of the three middle fingers).
Management of Symptoms and Side Effects of Breast Cancer
Discover common side effects of breast cancer treatment.
Side effects may vary depending on the type of treatment. Explore this section to learn which ones may appear and how to cope with them.