If you feel a lump that
is unusual or doesn’t
show up on a mammogram, bring it to
your doctor’s attention
LIV breast self-exam. Regular breast self-examination does not replace the need for regular doctor visits and screenings
LIV Breast Health Routine Recommended by Dr. Ernie Bodai | There is a Learning Curve for Self-Examination
and for Using the LIV aid | Important | When to Perform a Breast Self-Examination | Care and Storage
Why Self-Checking Matters | Breast Changes to Watch for During a Breast Self-Exam | Benefits of the LIV aid
LIV Breast Self-Exam
Consistency and Routine are the two key words in your optimal breast self-exam schedule. The more consistent your approach is to the exam, the easier it will be. Before long, it will become second nature and part of your regular health and wellness routine.
It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of self-examination. A self-examination is a positive action toward understanding what looks and feels normal for your breasts.
Regular breast self-examination does not replace the need for regular doctor visits and screenings, so please make sure to schedule appointments according to your age and risk factor. Use the table below to determine your breast health routine and stick to it.
LIV Breast Health Routine Recommended by
Dr. Ernie Bodai
| Age | Breast Health Routine |
|---|---|
| 20 | Monthly breast self-exams |
| 20–40 | Monthly breast self-exams
|
| 35–40 | A baseline mammogram as a comparison with future mammograms |
| 40 | Monthly breast self-exams
|
| 50 | Monthly breast self-exams
|
There is a Learning Curve
for Self-Examination and for
Using the LIV® aid.
It takes a little time to get used to the LIV aid.
Self-examination is about “storing information” about your breast tissue in the brain, so you can be aware of changes. If you self-examine for the first time and you use the LIV, chances are that you don’t feel much. That is because the brain has no former memory about how your breast tissue feels and it has no memory how the LIV device feels on your skin. So often, the brain blanks and women don’t feel anything. DON’T GET DISCOURAGED!
When to Perform a
Breast Self-Examination
It is important to examine your breasts around the same day every month!
If you’re menstruating, the best time for your self-exam is two to four days after your period has ended because your breast tissue will be less swollen. If you’ve reached menopause, or are experiencing irregular periods, pick the same calendar day each month to do your self-examination.
Why Self-Checking Matters
Throughout a woman’s life, her breast tissue goes through many natural changes, such as menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause, and normal weight changes. There can be lumpiness, swelling, and discomfort, unique to each woman. It is important to be aware and know what is normal to you, so that you have a better chance of recognizing changes. Immediately discuss any changes with your doctor. Every woman’s breasts are as unique as the woman herself, it is important to know what is normal for oneself.
Step by Step Instructions on how to Perform a Breast Self-Exam Using the LIV® aid
First Look
- Look into the mirror with your arms at your sides.
- Do you notice any change in the shape? Any swelling?
- Do you notice any skin changes such as dimpling or puckering or an “orange peel” look to your skin?
- Next, look again for any changes with your arms held over your head. Does it look normal to you?
Then Feel
Now lie down to flatten out your breast tissue. It is best to place a small pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right arm behind your head so that you can easily examine the area under your armpit. Place the LIV over the area of the breast tissue you want to examine first. Glide your fingers (not only finger tips) over the LIV in circular motion, pushing down slightly. Once you examine the entire area that is covered by the LIV, move it to the next area. It is important to examine the entire breast area.
Repeat the entire exam 3 times increasing the pressure each time.
- You should do your exam using light, medium and firm pressure.
- Next remove the pillow and put it under your left shoulder. Repeat all of the steps to examine your left breast.
Important
It is very important that you understand three necessary components of a comprehensive breast-screening program.
- Breast self-examination(with or without the LIV)
- Regular clinical breast exams by your doctor
- Mammograms
Breast self-examination with or without the LIV aid is not a replacement for a mammogram or clinical breast exam by your doctor. It is very important that you have regular clinical exams and mammograms as advised by your doctor. Report any changes found either with your bare hand or the LIV exam to your doctor for proper evaluation.
If you discover a lump, puckering or discharge during either the barehanded breast exam or the breast exam using the LIV, it is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible.
Care and Storage
If the LIV becomes soiled, simply use mild soap to wash it, rinse with warm water and let dry. Store the LIV in its original package at room temperature. Do not expose to light and heat as it can cause the purple color of the LIV to fade. Never put the LIV into the microwave to warm the device. Just hold the device in your hand until it reaches a comfortable body temperature. Rarely, because of natural additives in the polyurethane film, some wax can be “sweated” out of the product. This is nothing to worry about, as it is just wax and 100% natural. The wax is used in the film to help the material glide better. Wash off with warm water and soap before reusing it.
Breast Changes to Watch for During a Breast Self-Exam
- Any new lump or hard knot found in the breast or underarm
- Any lump or thickening that does not shrink or lessen after your next period
- Any change in the size, shape or symmetry of your breast
- A thickening or swelling of the breast
- Dimpling, skin irritation or other change in the breast skin or nipple
- Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge (fluid coming from your nipples other than breast milk), particularly if the discharge is bloody, clear and sticky, dark and occurs without squeezing your nipple
- Nipple retraction: turning or drawing inward or pointing in a new direction
If you find any of these changes, Dr. Bodai advises you to see your health care provider as soon as possible for a clinical evaluation. It is important to keep in mind that most breast lumps women find, as Olivia Newton-John’s early ones, are normal. So, don’t be afraid to get to know your body and to follow up with your doctor.
It’s time to LIV.
Benefits of the LIV® self-exam aid
- If you are 40 years or younger with no family history of breast cancer or have not had breast cancer or problems, a mammogram is not recommended; so finding changes is up to you and your doctor. Use the LIV once or twice a month to understand the natural changes your breast tissue goes through. You still have dense breast tissue and therefore for this age group, feeling the breast tissue for changes is one of the most effective methods for early detection.
- For routine check ups, women of all ages see their doctor only once a year. The rest of the time, your breast health is in your hands— literally!! Use the LIV regularly for a better chance to understand changes that are not normal.
- If you are in touch with your breast health and practice regular breast self-exams, you are more likely to see your doctor once a year and have your mammogram,
if age and risk appropriate. The LIV is not a replacement for mammography or annual check ups; it is an addition. It is the first step in a process to early detection.
- It makes a difference to a doctor when a woman can actually answer a question such a “did you feel that before” with a response other than “I do not know.” The LIV empowers you with the knowledge of your body so you can communicate more effectively with your doctor.
Breast self-examination is an important part of caring for your body. It is about becoming familiar with your breast tissue and the natural changes that it goes through throughout your life. It means knowing how your breasts look and feel normally so that you notice any rapid change that might be unusual
for you.
SPECIFIC USE DISCLAIMER: There is no guarantee that the LIV will detect breast cancer, breast lumps or any other breast diseases. Breast self-examination is a part of good breast health care but is not a substitute for regular medical examination. Clinical breast examination and mammograms should be regularly performed by a qualified physician. Changes found during breast self-examination should be promptly reported to your physician for proper evaluation.
