As a travel nursing professional, you know the importance of maintaining overall health – through diet and exercise – and getting regular checkups. With October upon us, you may want to talk to your co-workers about promoting breast cancer awareness. And, individually, you should be getting regular exams and self-checking as well. A majority of individuals who experience fatal interactions with the disease have not been screened.
Self examination
Women who would like to conduct regular self examinations should do so once a month. Although things like mammograms aren't recommended for females until later in life, self exams can and should be done at all ages. Those who regularly check themselves are more likely to notice changes, such as a lump that needs to be biopsied.
You might be able to find a waterproof exam how-to guide that can be hung in your shower. This is a perfect time to feel for any abnormalities in the breast. All you need to do is use the pad of your fingers to work in a circular pattern from the nipple out. In addition to a lump, causes for concern may be a thickening to a specific area or a hardened knot.
Lying in bed is another good time to exam your breasts. If you put a pillow under your right shoulder, placing your right arm under your head, you will be in a good position to locate any potential problems. You'll use your left hand in the same motion as mentioned above to feel from the breast area to the armpit. Be sure to check the breast tissue closest to your armpit, as this is one of the areas most prone to cancer cells.
On top of feeling for problems, you can also look for changes to your breasts. You should do so both when your arms are at your sides and raised overhead. Things to look for include changes to the shape, differences in the nipples and swelling or dimples. It's important to note that your breasts will not look identical to one another, but be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any changes or signs that indicate a reason for concern.
This month is not the only time of year you should be sharing these tips with patients you interact with as a travel nurse. Be sure to review the notes so that you can properly explain the best methods for self examination year-round. Keeping up with regular self exams can help to notice any issues. However, it's important not to jump to conclusions if a lump is found: Eighty percent of scares turn out not to be cancerous.