What is breast screening?

It is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer. The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lump distortion or swelling.

PURPOSE OF BREAST SCREENING

Breast cancer has few symptoms in its early stages ,hence the earlier the breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available and the greater the likelihood of recovery.

It has generally been recommended that all women perform monthly breast examination beginning in their 20s and continuing throughout life. Women should also be aware of the benefits and limitations of self examination.

Most lumps or other changes are not cancerous but any dictated changes must be examined by a health care provider.

DESCRIPTION

Women who choose to perform breast self examination should do so on approximately the same day of every month picking a day that is easily remember. A few days after the end of menstruation ,when the breast is still swollen and tender is ideal A breast examination looks for changes /lumps that seem to be different from the rest of the breast tissue.

OTHER SYMPTOMS Of BREAST CANCER THAT MAY BE OBSERVABLE

1.Any changes in the look or feel of the breast ,Nipple or areola.

2.A change in the size, shape or contour of the breast.

3.A change in the appearance of the skin or nipple such as pickling/dimbling,an irritation or a change in color /texture.

4.A clear/bloody nipple discharge or tenderness.

5.A nipple that is pulled in ,inverted or indented.

6.nipple pain.

7.breast skin or a nipple that is red and swollen or scaly.

8.hard,small and perhaps slightly tender lumps in the under arm region.

COMPLIED BY NURSE