Breast self examination

^{This is the act of examining the breast by oneself (self palpation ) to check for change  in the break such as lumps, thickening that may signal cancer. The few moments spent on this activity may mean the difference between life and death or comfort and extreme suffering for women.variation in breast tissues occurs during the menstrual cycle,  pregnanacy and menopause.therefore, normal changes must be distinguished from those that may signal disase.}

^{Most women notice increased renderness and lumpiness before their mentrural period , therefore, breast self  examination is best performed after mense (day 5 to 7 counting the first day  of menses as day 1).  The is for pre-menopausal women, it is done once month. One pick a particular date that one remembers.}

^Procedure

^{Before a mirror}

^{Step 1}

^{Begin by looking at your breast in the mirror, your hands raised head. Look for  changes in the contour of each breast as well as swelling, dimpling of the skin and changes in the nipple (whether inverted i.e pused inward instead of sticking out).}

^{Step 2}

^{Still before a mirror,placing your palms on your hip, look for some changes.}

^{Step 3}

^{This can be done before a mirror and in the  shower. While in the shower is preferred because many women find that the easiest way to feel their breastis wet and slippery. Check for lump or thickening using the pad of the fingers.use right hand to examine left breast and vice versa. Start  12 oclock(center of the breast) and move towards 1 oclock in a small circular motion. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 oclock again. Then move one inch towards the nipple and complete another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you have the entire breast. Make sure to feel  the upper outer area that extends into your armpit. Gently squeeze the nipples and look for any discharge from them.}

^{Step 4}

^{To examine the right breast, place a pillow or folded pillow under the right shoulder and lay your right hand on your forehead. This makes the breast tissue to evenly distribute, palpate, as above.}

^{Step 5}

^{Still lying down, gently squeeze the nippleof each breast  check for any discharge, clear, or bloody.}

^{Report any discharge seen to the  doctor or health personel for adequate management}