In an effort to encourage you to take preventative steps to guard your health, American Mission Hospital is offering this service.

Within ten to fourteen days you will receive full results of your tests. You will receive information that will help explain your results and provide advice. If any problems are detected, you will be quickly advised of the necessary steps to take.

American Mission Hospital can help you to safeguard your health for you and your family. Keep healthy by : eating well, exercising and regular checkups.

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Breast health

At some point in their lives, most women have breast lumps. The good news is:

· 8 out of 10 are not cancerous
· most breast cancers can be cured if they are detected early and treated properly.

You are the most important person in protecting your health! It is necessary that you:

Understand
how the female breast changes during the menstrual cycle and throughout your life.

Become familiar
with your breasts and what is normal for you.

Examine your breasts
at the same time each month, so you can notice any changes in their appearance.

Visit
your doctor regularly and ask him or her any questions or concerns that
you have.

What is a Breast Self Exam (BSE)?
Approximately 90% of all breast lumps are found by women themselves, accidentally. Unfortunately, few breast lumps are found by BSE because many women do not regularly practice BSE or are reluctant to examine their breasts. American Mission Hospital health care professionals can instruct women in performing BSE properly.

If all women performed BSE properly and monthly and if every woman from the age of 40 had a yearly physical examination and mammogram, most breast cancer could be detected one to three years earlier and treated more successfully.

In a recent survey conducted in Bahrain

· Only 46% women surveyed had been taught how to perform a BSE.
· Only 40% of these women performed a BSE once every month.
· 86% wanted to know more about BSE and breast cancer.

Why should I perform a monthly BSE ?

· can be done in the privacy of your home
· only takes 10 - 15 minutes of your time
· costs nothing
· can save your life

When should I perform my monthly BSE ?

Your monthly BSE should be performed the day following the completion of your menstrual cycle. Your hormonal level will be more stabilized and it is an easy date to remember.

How to Perform your BSE?

Study the shape and size:

In front of a mirror or in the shower
stand or sit with arms relaxed at sides
turn slowly from side to side
raise arms overhead
put palms on hips, pressing downward
bend forward from the hips
squeeze each nipple
view the underside of large breasts by lifting them with your hand

While lying down
Examine your right breast with your left hand and then your left breast with your right hand. Flatten the breast by lifting your shoulder with a pillow or folded towels. Put your other hand behind your head.
When you are examining your breasts, use the pads of two or three of your fingers. Do not use just the fingertips. Starting from the outside of your breast, move in a circular motion toward your nipple to feel the entire breast region (including the nipple and armpit). Press gently, then firmly.
It is normal to feel a ridge of tissue at the lower edge of your breast. Ribs, ducts, fat, etc., may also feel strange at first. If you detect a lump, see if it has a "mirror image" in the same place on the other breast.

Be alert for changes from month to month. Consult your physician immediately if you notice:

· any discharge
· any surface or skin changes
· a rash, or an "orange peel" look or feel to the skin
· any changes in the nipple appearance or positioning
· a swelling or bulge
· whitish crust on a nipple or areola
· a sore that hasn't healed
· a change in a black or brown mole

Remember, the best way to protect your health is to:

· perform a monthly breast self examination
· have regular professional physician examinations
· consult your physician regarding mammography

It is normal for a woman to have:

· breasts of different sizes or shapes
· nipples that are flat or inverted
· nipples that point in different directions
· areola larger, smaller, darker or lighter than another woman's as long as these have not been recent changes.

Changes in the breast

Hormonal changes influence breasts throughout a woman's life. The use of oral contraceptives, hormone therapy and changes in weight can also affect breast size, lumpiness and tenderness.

Menstrual Cycle
During the menstrual cycle breasts often become swollen, tender and more lumpy in the week before menstruation. These symptoms subside after menstruation begins.

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
During pregnancy and breast feeding milk glands, ducts, areola and nipples enlarge. Breasts feel heavy, lumpy and tender. When nursing stops, breasts return to their former size, but may be less firm.

During and after Menopause
During and after menopause milk glands and ducts shrink, and breasts become smaller and softer. Supporting ligaments lose some of their strength.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous. They include:
Fibrocystic Conditions
Lumpy, fibrous tissue and/or cysts are common in women aged 35 - 50. These lumps can be painful and may increase in size and soreness before and during menstruation. They may disappear after menopause.

Fibroadenomas
Solid, smooth, movable lumps, often round or oval are common in women aged 15 - 40. These are often painless and appear separately near the nipple or upper sides of the breast.

Sebaceous Cysts
If an oil gland is clogged, a blackhead can appear as a lump on the breast near the nipple.

Mastitis
A bacterial infection can cause warm, painful lumps in the breast.

It is important to perform a monthly breast self exam. If you discover any lumps, discharge or experience any pain in your breasts, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Diagnosis and treatment of breast problems may involve:
Your medical history
The age you began menstruating, medications you were/are taking, whether any family members have had breast disease, etc.

Palpation
Basically the same as a BSE, but professionally performed by your physician.

Ultrasound
Computer enhanced sound imaging helps identify the breast's internal structure and some irregularities.

Mammography
An X-ray to evaluate a lump in the breast to reveal any changes in the breast tissue.

Aspiration
When a slender needle is used to draw fluid from inside a cyst. Aspiration can be used in diagnosis and to treat a cyst that causes pain.

Biopsy
When all or part of a lump is surgically removed for laboratory analysis. Biopsy may also be used to treat some conditions.

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