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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
I am not Sure
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
I am not Sure
by Kitty_Cat1980, Sep 19, 2001 12:00AM
I am a 21 Year old woman and I have never in my life given myself a brest exam I don't know how to and when i do feel my brest it just feels like a lot of little bumps inside is that the way they are to feel or is there some thing not right with mine? brest cancer runs ramped in my family.... thank you for your help Kitty_Cat1980
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 21, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Kitty, When doing a breast self-exam (BSE) what you are looking for is a lump that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. Becoming more familiar with your breasts by doing BSE each month will help you tell the difference between your normal “lumpiness” and what may be a change. The best time to do BSE is 2 or 3 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you feel something in one breast that appears unusual or different from before, check to see if it is present in your other breast. If the same structure is in the same place in both breasts, the chances are good that your breasts are normal. If you find a lump a few days before or during your menstrual period, reexamine your breasts when your period ends.
For more information on how to perform self breast exam there are many resources available that describe the procedure, along with pictures and diagrams that are helpful. One such resource is the National Cancer Institute. If you call 1-800-4-CANCER, you can order publications that will tell you all about self-breast exam. Another resource is the Cleveland Clinic Web site (www.ccf.org) search under breast health – written materials – breast self exam. There is a document describing how to do breast self exam. Also ask your health care professional at your next physical exam if they would walk you through the breast exam and explain what you are feeling in your breasts. This may give you more confidence when you are doing the exam on your own.
For more information on how to perform self breast exam there are many resources available that describe the procedure, along with pictures and diagrams that are helpful. One such resource is the National Cancer Institute. If you call 1-800-4-CANCER, you can order publications that will tell you all about self-breast exam. Another resource is the Cleveland Clinic Web site (www.ccf.org) search under breast health – written materials – breast self exam. There is a document describing how to do breast self exam. Also ask your health care professional at your next physical exam if they would walk you through the breast exam and explain what you are feeling in your breasts. This may give you more confidence when you are doing the exam on your own.
