October 2, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 11 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 discover- ing abnormalities, including lumps or tenderness, in the breasts. Self-examination increases the chances of early detec- tion 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 themselves with the look and feel of their breasts, which enables them to more readily 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 Foundation, 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, thickening, or hard- ened knots. If a lump is found, visit a physician for an evaluation. Conduct an examination in bed. The breast tissue nat- urally 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. Standing in front of a mirror, look at the breasts with the arms down and then over the head. Look for any differences between 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 appointment with her doctor for a more thorough exami- nation, which may include a mammogram or ultrasound to map out images of the breast that may be hidden to the naked eye. Breast self-examinations are an essential element of a healthy lifestyle for women. Early detection of breast cancer vastly improves survival rates, and self-exami- nation is often the most effective way to detect breast cancer early.