Have You Had Your Mammogram?
As many of my readers know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
If you do not already have a breast self-exam routine, it is a great time to get in to the habit of doing a self-breast exam or reminding your female and male loved ones to do the same. I do mine the first day of the month...that way it is easy to remember and I know I have done it each month. Here are some tips on how to breast self-exams:
1) Did you know that it is easier to do your exam in the shower - it makes it easier with soapy hands.
2) Always check in the mirror to make sure that you don't see any changes in color or texture of your skin. Hold your arms up in the air to see under your arms. Also, examine your breast while bending at your waist, with your hands on your hips...allowing you to check for any dimpling or or changes to the skin.
3) Either lying down or in your shower, use your three middle fingers of the opposite hand to make small, circular motions in an up and down pattern. Apply different measures of firmness to each area of the breast. Check all areas including your armpit and collarbone area.
4) If you find something that is suspect, make an appointment right away to see your physician or gynecologist. Don't ignore it. The sooner you check it out, the earlier you will know what you are dealing with and the faster you will be on the road to treatment and recovery.
I had a small scare a few years back when I found a lump. Thankfully, it was just some fibrous tissue.
So start your self-exam schedule. If you have not yet had your mammogram....then call your doctor and schedule one.
Why not make a fun day of it...call up your friends, encourage them to schedule their mammograms and then get together for lunch.