Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • October 2, 2013 Proper steps to conducting a breast self-exam Women recognize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, which includes conducting self-exams to detect for breast cancer. Breast self-exams are vital to dis- covering abnormalities, including lumps or tenderness, in the breasts. Self-examination increases the chances of early detection of breast cancer. John Hopkins Medical Center states that 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. Doctors urge women to conduct monthly self-exams to familiarize them- selves with the look and feel of their breasts, which enables them to more read- ily recognize any abnormalities that may indicate illness. There are a number of ways to conduct a breast self-exam, and women are urged to find the method they feel is most comfortable for them. The National Breast Cancer Founda- tion, Inc. offers these tips for conducting a breast examination at home. A breast examination can take place in the shower while you are washing. The shower is a convenient place to conduct an exam. According to the NBCF, use the pads of the fingers and move around the entire breast in a circular pattern, moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month for any lumps, the breasts. Many women find their breasts are not exactly the same shape or size, but unusual dimpling or taut or thick skin may be indicative of a problem. Should any lumps or abnormalities be discovered during an examination, a woman should schedule an appoint- ment with her doctor for a more thorough examination, which may include a mam- mogram or ultrasound to map out images of the breast that may be hidden to the naked eye. Breast self-examinations are an essen- tial element of a healthy lifestyle for women. Early detection of breast cancer vastly improves survival rates, and self- examination is often the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Basics of breast cancer thickening, or hardened knots. If a lump is found, visit a physician for an evaluation. Conduct an examination in bed. The breast tissue naturally distributes over the chest wall and ribs when one is lying down. Place a pillow under the right shoulder and place the right arm behind the head. Using the left hand, move the pads of the fingers around the right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit. Squeeze the nipple and check for discharge or lumps. Repeat the process on the left breast. Conduct a visual examination. Stand- ing in front of a mirror, look at the breasts with the arms down and then over the head. Look for any differences between (continued from page 14) cancer risk, but studies have shown that eating a lot of red and/or processed meats may increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. Low-fat diets that include lots of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing many diseases, including breast cancer. Exercise: How often a person exercises may increase or decrease his or her risk of developing breast cancer. Studies have indicated that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk, and the ACS recommends that both men, who are not immune to breast cancer, and women get between 45 and 60 minutes of physical exercise five or more days per week. Weight: Being overweight is a signifi- cant risk factor for breast cancer, espe- cially for women after menopause. Higher estrogen levels increase a person’s risk of breast cancer, and estrogen levels increase when a person has more fat tissue. Main- taining a healthy weight pays various div- idends, not the least of which is reducing the risk of breast cancer. Thanks to various organizations pro- moting breast cancer awareness and research, many individuals have at least a basic knowledge of the disease. While knowledge alone cannot prevent the onset of breast cancer, it may help men and women better protect themselves and their loved ones from a disease that afflicts millions of people across the globe each year.