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13 Friends for Life
A simple plan to help you and a friend conquer cancer
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Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and it is something women cannot ignore. Early detection is key to curing this disease. National Cancer Institute studies show the survival rates for women whose cancer was found early to be 88%. Survival rates for breast cancer have steadily improved over the past 20 years.
Facts For My Friends For Life
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13 Friends for Life
Here's what you can do . . .
Choose a friend - your mother, daughter, sister or a pal.
Agree to be Friends for Life. On the 13th day of each month examine your breasts for unusual changes or lumps.
Check with your friend each month to be sure she does her breast self-exam.
Remind your friend to have a yearly physical and mammogram if appropriate.
Most importantly, focus on living life to the fullest, being the best possible mom, sister, wife daughter and friend.
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Breast Self-examination
By regularly examining her own breasts, a woman is likely to notice any changes that occur. The best time for breast self examination (BSE) is about a week after your period ends, when your breasts are not tender or swollen. If you are not having regular periods, do BSE on the same day every month.
- Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
- Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
- Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse.
- Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month.
- Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)
- If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.
- Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.
View the Komen breast self exam instructional tool. Click Here
What Happens if I find a lump?
If you discover a lump or some other change in your breast(s), contact your health care provider. After a thorough examination, he/she may recommend further diagnostic testing - most commonly, an x-ray of the breast called a mammogram.
Why should I have a mammogram?
Mammograms are the single, most effective method of detecting breast cancers, discovering cancers that are too small to be felt. Routine mammography detects 40% of cancers not found on physical examination.
When should I have a mammogram?
While some controversy exists regarding how often women aged 40-49 should have a mammogram, the majority of organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend regular annual mammograms for women in their 40's. Medical experts agree all women age 50 and over should have a mammogram every year.
Do Mammograms hurt?
There is some minor discomfort for a short period of time, but the procedure should not be painful.
This webpage is not intended as a replacement for professional health care. Please see your health care provider fpr annual examinations, diagnosis and treatment.
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