Breast Self Exam Instruction: Breast Carcinoma or breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in middle-aged women. The breasts are specialized accessory glands of the skin consisting of ducts embedded in fatty tissue. Breast cancer can arise in the duct system anywhere from the nipple to the terminal lobule. Most often, the cancer is detected after it has spread to the other parts of the body. Periodic breast self exams are essential for early identification and treatment. The breast self-exam should be done regularly every month immediately following the menstrual cycle. Step 1- Visual Inspection Look for any changes in the skin over breast like redness, swelling or puckering and nipple changes like discharge, scaling or indentation. Step 2 - Tactile Inspection There are three ways to physically examine the breasts. The Circle method The Line method, and The wedge method The Circle Method: Move the three middle fingers in a circular fashion starting from the outer edge of the breast towards the nipple. The Line Method: Move the three middle fingers starting from underarm area down below the breast. Move slowly back upwards. Repeat this until the entire breast is felt. Wedge method: Move the three middle fingers beginning at the outer edge towards the nipple. Repeat the procedure for every wedge until the entire breast is felt. Regardless of the method, the objective is to feel the entire breast and observing any abnormal changes. The breast should be soft and smooth to the touch. Pay special attention to check the underarm and upper chest areas. Feel the entire breast Breast should be soft and smooth. Observe for abnormal changes. Check under arm and upper chest areas.

Breast Reduction Breast Reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is the surgery to reduce the weight, mass and size of the breasts. There are several reasons for requiring this procedure. Backaches Neckaches Difficulty in breathing Numbness of any portion of the breasts and upper chest due to the excessive weight of the breasts Contraindications for surgery History of irregular mammograms Undiagnosed lumps or other types of masses Diabetes Wound healing and clotting disorders, Lactating (or have recently ceased) The surgery is usually performed with general anesthesia. While most patients stay overnight at the hospital, occasionally patients are able to go home the day of surgery Typically, incisions are around the nipple, from the nipple down to the chest wall, and side to side under the breasts The incisions are designed so the scars will not be visible while wearing normal clothing The surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin then repositions the nipple and areola appropriately. The skin is then closed around the new breast mound A drain may be left in place at the time of surgery and removed several days later. Sutures are removed within the first two weeks following surgery. In some cases no external sutures are used. Potential complications of the surgery are: Postoperative bleeding Infection Obvious scars Failure of the nipple and areola to "take" or heal Irregularities in the final size and shape of the breasts or in the positioning of the areola and nipple. Decrease in sensation of the nipple. Permanent inability to breast-feed after having the surgery

    Breast cancer can spread locally through the Lymphatic system to the draining lymph nodes nearby and distally through blood to the brain, lung, bone and liver. Breast cancer can be diagnosed by self examination of the breast, mammography, and biopsy. Breast cancer can be treated by surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination of these treatments. 

How exercise can help you cope with challenging menopausal symptoms.

Tips on how to prepare for your initial appointments with your surgeon and oncologist after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tips on how to make losing your hair due to chemotherapy less traumatic.

Some tips for finding a bra that gives you the support you need after surgery.