October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Dr. Gary J. Price and his staff want to make sure their patients not only love the way they look but are also doing all they can to take care of their health. Read on for some important reminders on what you can do to check for signs of breast cancer.
Self-breast exams
Checking your breasts every month is easy to do, only takes a few minutes at a time, and costs nothing! You should check your breasts after your period has ended so that they aren’t tender or swollen. And, even if you have been through menopause, you should still check them every month.
One part of the exam is a visual check – perform this in front of a mirror, first with your hands on your hips and then with both of your arms raised. You should also feel your breasts for any lumps, while standing up and also while lying down. Check the entire breast, including the sides and underneath. Check to see if they have changed at all in the past month. Pay attention to their color, size, and shape, and any signs of the nipple inverting (pushing inward instead of outward). Check for any redness, dimpling, or puckering.
If you do find a lump, don’t just assume the worst. There are other reasons for lumps besides cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor right away so that he or she can check and, hopefully, put your mind at ease.
Many women who have had a breast procedure, such as a breast lift or an augmentation, wonder how this will affect their breast health. Research has shown that a breast procedure does not increase the odds of getting breast cancer, and it should be no harder to detect cancer.
Monthly breast self-exams are important for catching cancer early, which increases the odds of successful treatment. Take care of yourself! And, if you are considering a breast or another procedure so that you can both look and feel your best, contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!
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