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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1983-03-30, Page 23me y You are towelling yourself dry after a bath. And you find a lump in your breast. What do you do? Odds are you panic. Many women keep the secret to themselves Fecause they are frightened of cancer or having a breast removed. And that's understandable. But it is also the worst thing anyone can do. If the lump turns out to be cancer your best hope lies in identifying it and having it treated as soon as possible. Did you know that ... - 85 percent of all breast lumps are not cancer. Cysts and many other lumps and bumps are harmless. But no lump should be ignored. After all, why take a chance? - Usually breast cancer growth doesn't hurt at all. So don't say, "The lump doesn't hurt, so I won't bother." That could be the mistake of your life. - Often the only clue that you're developing breast cancer is a lump in the breast. Since you can check yourself every month, you are the best person to find it. Examine your breasts regula rly. WHO GETS BREAST CANCER? Some women are more likely to get it than others. Who? Well the risks do in- crease with age. And those who've already had cancer of one breast or those with a mother and sister who've had the disease, run a higher risk. Have you had others kinds of breast disease? Never had children? Or did you first give birth when you were over 25? And how about food? Do you enjoy steak, cheese, nuts and other high fat foods often? All of these may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. One in 12 Canadian women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Many can be saved. It all depends on how quickly they find the lump and have it treated. That's why we can't stress enough the im- portance of regular breast self-examination. BSE ) HOW TFIND A LUM Y UR REAST "O.K.," you say, "I'm r re s re rly '_ or paw 3 2 U U O ( O Sit or stand in front of your mirrorwith your arms relaxed at your sides, and examine your breasts carefully for any changes in size and shape Look for any puckenng or dimpling of the skin, and for any discharge or change in the nipples Raise both your arms over your head and look for exactly the same things See if there's been any change since you last examined your breasts Lie on your bed, put a pillow or a bath towel under your left shoulder and your left hand under your head (From this Step through Step 8, you should feel for a lump or thickening.) With the fingers of your right hand held together flat, press gently but firmly with small circular motions to feel the inner. upper quarter of your left breast, starting at'your breast -bone and going outward toward the nipple line. Also feel the area around the nipple. With the same gentle pressure. feel the lower inner part of your breast. Incidentally. in this area you will feel a ridge of firm tissue or flesh Don't be alarmed. This is perfectly normal 1 Now bnng your left arm down to your side. and salt using the flat part of your fingers, feel under your armpit Use the sarne gentle pressure to feel the upper. outer quarter of your breast from the nipple line to where your arm is resting And finally, feel the lower outer section of your breast, going from the outer part to the nipple Repeat the entire procedure on the right breast Your own doctor may want you to use a slightly different method of examination. Ask him to teach you that method. Examine your breasts every month, Just after your period Be sure to continue these checkups after your change of life. If you find a lump or thickening leave it alone until you see your doctor. Don't be frightened Most breast lumps or changes are not cancer. but only your doctor can tell sold. But how do I do BSE?' ' Now you're talking. Just follow these steps. It's easy. - This is a monthly examination. Practice it a few .e ys after the end of your period. If you've already reached your menopause, pick a day you'll remember such as the first of the month, each and every month. - First, stand in front of the mirror and take a good look at your breasts. Watch for lumps, puckered or dimpled skin, or bleeding or discharge from the nipples. - Raise your arms over your head and look for exactly the same things. - Next, lie on your bed with a pillow or bath towel under your left shoulder and your left hand under your head. - With the flat part of the fingertips of your right hand examine your left breast for a lump or thickening, using a gentle circular motion. - ,: a sure to examine all your breast including the nipple and armpit area. - Repeat on the right breast, wi's your right hand under your head. - The next time you I ve a check-up 'your doctor can Torn to page 4 This hformati n11) n is brought t 3r I jr; ith the kind c 11. er tit • n of t e f.RRowing: ec A est A See want Biwys. Q ©rid 83 Exeter 2351-2949 Fully Lieeneedl FAS 0 1119 S FOR E, • 375 Main Strata, Este 235 -246 - ernes Hair n Coisetyi`s cats ' Largest CIrcul ftl®ea Weekly ° rewsp®per fine markets... of fine foods REDI.MIX CONCRETE McCt NN REDI-MIX INC. R. 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