October is Breast

Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer Services, Mid-Western Regional

Hospital

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How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

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Breast Self-Exam is done monthly

7-10 days from the first day of your period

Same day every month if you are not menstruating

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Stand in front of a mirror and look at each breast separately. Note the size, shape, colour, contour and direction of your breasts and nipples.

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Raise your arms over your head and look at your breasts, as you turn slowly from side to side.

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Press your hands on your hips and push your shoulders forward. Look at each breast separately.

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Stand in front of a mirror and start BSE just below the collar bone.

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•Use the 3 middle fingertips of your left hand for the right breast. •Apply firm pressure and make small circles as you go back or forth in a pattern covering all the breast area including the nipple.•Extend the examination to the breast tissue in the underarm.•Change your hand and repeat BSE on the opposite breast.

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Lie down and raise one arm above your head. Examine your breasts as before, omitting the underarm. Change your arm and repeat BSE on the opposite breast.

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Month .......................Record normal ridges, lumpy areas, freckles or moles. Remember, what you are looking for are unusual changes from your normal.

Record your observations

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IIf you suspect a breast lump, you should:

Contact your General Practitioner.

The General Practitioner has direct access to the Breast Clinic in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

An appointment will be issued for the Breast Clinic within one week of receiving a referral by the General Practitioner.

At the clinic a clinical assessment and all necessary investigations will be carried out.

The clinic is Consultant-Led and is attended by a Breast-Care Nurse Specialist.

INFORMATION SHEET

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