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MORE ABOUT CANCER Breast cancer Breast cancer detected in its early stages is treatable! A one-minute examination may save your life! What does it mean to know your breasts? Getting to know your breasts is associated with creating a clear picture of that part of your body and an understanding of the normal changes that occur at any time during your monthly cycle. When you are aware of the normal situation and the way your breasts feel, you will be the first one to notice when any changes occur. Most changes are safe, but only a doctor will know for sure. The change is very rarely due to cancer, but even if it is, early detection usually means better treatment. When should you make a self-exam? That depends on you; you probably have already noticed that your breasts change shape and firmness during menstruation. In many women, breasts become swollen and sensitive - painful just before the beginning of their cycle; after its end, they return their previous state. Although it is easier to examine the breasts when they are soft, it is necessary to know the changes during your cycle. After menopause, breasts become softer and smoother. What should I check? You must remember to look for ANY change in your breasts which seem unusual to you. When you first view your breast, PAY ATTENTION TO: 1. The normal (usual) form and size (not unusual for one breast to be bigger than the other). 2. The normal type and location of nipples. 3. The normal "feeling” of your breasts. Changes to look for: - A change in the size - A change in the form - Tangible lumps or thickening - Crumpling or dimples in the skin - Veins protruding more than usual - Change in the position or form of the nipple - concavity or a shift - A rash around the nipple - Blood or discharge from the nipple (some women always secrete a small amount of colourless or white discharge, which is normal for them) - Soreness beyond what is normal during your cycle, especially if new and unilateral - Anything that feels NEW to YOU and is not felt in the other breast. How do you carry out self-exam? By looking: 1. Before going into the bathtub or shower, stand in front of the mirror with your hands resting by the body and watch your breast. 2. Raise your hands above your head and look again. 3. Place hands on your hips and strain them back until your contract the muscles of the chest. Look carefully at your breasts from every possible angle. Lower yourself forward and inspect their form. By touching: 1. This manipulation should be done in the bathtub or shower with soap foam on your hand as it slides easily on the breast. For women with a bigger bust this is easier to do while lying in bed. 2. Do not press and do not push your breasts with fingers. Touch only with your palm and fingers gathered. Hold gently but firmly as the fingers move in all directions. It is easier to use the right hand when touching the left breast and vice versa. 3. Remember that your breasts have a pear-shaped form, facing towards the upper arm. Feel each part of the breast down to the clavicle, the armpit and around the nipple. Is there any change? Is there something new for you? Are there any problems? If you find any changes, seek medical advice. Most breast changes are not caused by cancer and are due to simple cysts or lumps which can easily be treated. The only way to be certain to know the cause of your problem is to consult a doctor who can decide how you should proceed. its early identification and timely treatment gives the best results. FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY HAVE BREAST CANCER SIMPLE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (SELF MASSAGE)
/After mastectomy and in the secondary lymphoedema arm/ A few days after surgery you can begin with the
implementation of the following massage and breathing exercises several
times a day:
1. Respiratory exercise: Sit comfortably at the end of a chair (or in bed) and make 5 consecutive deep, slow breaths in and out, make sure the air is going into the belly with hands placed on it. 2. Massage exercise I: The purpose of the exercise is to move the flow of lymph existing in lymph nodes. Place both hands on the neck in position 1/Fig.1 / and gently move the skin in a downwards direction, towards the back of your neck. Repeat 10 times. The massage movements should be mild in order to draw the skin, it should not cause it to turn red. Repeat the same in points 2 and 3. If your neck is shorter, avoid position 3. Put your hands in position 4 and massage 5 consecutive times from the neck along the clavicle in towards the breastbone. Figure 1
 3. Massage exercise II: Massage
movements are performed with a slight hitch in the skin, while making
sure not to turn it red. The direction is always towards the strong
arm. Always start from this arm.
You start with movements of the swollen arm towards the strong one, repeat 5 times at points 1, 2 and 3. After that, repeat 5 times with the strong hand at points 3, 4 and 5./Fig.2 the darker hand is the swollen one/ 4. Massage exercise III: The same massage movements are repeated on the back as shown in Fig.3. The skin is always moved away from the swollen side as you start from it. As it is difficult to massage your back, train a partner to help you in this. Finish up with respiratory exercise. Do not get up rapidly and sharply to avoid getting dizzy. Figure 2 Figure 3
 The original of these exercises can be found at this website Successful testing of this method: Ganka Yordanova Tzoneva Е-mail: ghytso@abv.bg |