New information on self-breast exams

Today's topic is for women only. We've all been told that monthly self breast exams are important and useful in finding anything unusual in our breasts that can signal cancer in it's early stages. New studies have found that the old rules of doing self exams such as doing the exam on the same day of the month and using a particular pattern really don't reduce breast cancer deaths. You should however be aware of any changes in your breasts and watch for the following:
* A new lump or hard knot found in your breast or armpit
* Dimpling, puckering or indention in your breast or nipple
* Change in the size, shape or symmetry of your breast
* Swelling or thickening of the breast
* Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
* Nipple discharge, especially any that is bloody, clear and sticky, dark or occurs without squeezing your nipple
* Changes in your nipple such as tenderness, pain, turning or drawing inward, or pointing in a new direction
* Any suspicious changes in your breasts

Also on the subject of mammograms, Dr. Mercola strongly disagrees with women getting one every year or two after age 40 and sites that the benefits are highly controversial while the risks are well documented. Mammograms expose your body to radiation 1,000 times greater than a chest x-ray, and compress the breast tightly which can lead to the spreading of cancerous cells if they exist. Prior to menopause the breast is highly sensitive to radiation; each rad increases breast cancer risk about 1%.

Thermography is a safe screening method that you probably won't hear offered as an option. To read in more detail about self breast exams, mammography risks, and thermography, read Dr. Mercola's article Major confusion on how to do breast checks. Want more information on the dangers of mammograms - CLICK HERE for an additional article on the subject by Natural News.