While women might think that they’re on top of breast cancer by receiving regular screenings at their doctor’s office, typically on an annual basis, without screening at home it’s possible for something to go undetected and therefore be diagnosed and treated only when the prognosis is much less favorable.

Many women are embarrassed to ask about screening at home, and therefore many don’t know how to do it properly or fail to do it at all. Senior women should make an effort to complete self checks at least once a month by following these steps:

1. Remove all clothing and undergarments from your upper body

2. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms up and behind your head. Flex your hips and your chest muscles and be on the lookout for anything unusual

3. Lying down, place a pillow under your left shoulder and your left arm behind your head. Use your right hand to examine your breast, working your way around in circles from the outside in

4. Repeat the same steps for the right breast

5. During all stages of your self-breast examination, you want to look for the following:

• Lumps that have not previously been examined by a doctor. They don’t need to be sore or have any particular feeling in order to require medical attention

• Changes in the skin texture anywhere on the breast

• Thickening of the breasts

• One breast which is lower than the other, or one which is larger that seems to have changed size

• Unusual discharge from nipples that is sticky or bloody

Via: Family Doctor

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228