Self-palpation of the breasts? Who knows how to do it? Since Thursday October 17, around a hundred students from Banville high school in Moulins have been initiated. A big step for early diagnosis (admittedly very early), which is the crux of the matter.
Dr. Zoi Alevra, gynecologist at the Saint-Odilon clinic, is pleasantly surprised. More than a hundred girls, as well as boys, signed up for breast self-examination classes, organized by School Life at the Théodore-de-Banville high school, Thursday October 17 (in groups of twenty-five ).
One of the multiple initiatives as part of Pink October, damn useful: where we see that in “our time”, in high school, just in the early 2000s, we didn’t talk about “that”.
“We know a lot of women affected”
Today, information is getting around and young girls are hungry for knowledge: “It is better to know how to do it, to know these actions to do yourself, not necessarily today, but for later. You never know. It’s always good to know! “.
And then: “We know a lot of women who have had breast cancer. In the family. Knowledge…”. Another: “And younger and younger!” » So, at 16, 17, even 18 years old, even if thirty is far away, it is still far too early to die.
Dr. Alevra reassured them, after setting the scene: “The bad news is that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women and that it is also the most common cancer. The good news is that we have weapons, diagnostic and therapeutic. With early diagnosis, it can be cured.”
Hence the interest in informing the youngest. “Screenings are late, from the age of 50 and consultations with the attending physician, gynecologist or midwife start at the age of 25, but monitoring that you can do yourself between two and three times a year allows you to check if everything is okay, especially if you have a family history. We can take care of ourselves sooner.” And this, at any age, in fact! Knowing yourself better is not a luxury.
Self-palpation, instructions for use
So, object lesson. First exercise: observe your breasts. Whether you’re a girl or a boy or in transition, it’s the same for everyone. “In front of the mirror, see if you have any asymmetry that has appeared. We’re still a little asymmetrical, but has that changed? I draw your attention to the importance of the skin, if there are alterations, folds, cracks, an orange peel effect. If irregularities appear, it’s a warning sign.”
Check your nipples: if one of them “retracts” when this was not the case before, this is also a signal. Check if there are “secretions” coming out: “They can be white, “lactic”, but also with blood, brown or transparent like water”.
Then, “standing in the shower, sitting or lying down”, it’s time for palpation. “Place your hands behind your head. Keep your left hand thus placed and palpate the left breast with your right hand… and vice versa.”
There are three movements to make in search of lumps, masses or nodules: “With the index, middle and ring fingers, palpate the breast and its surroundings, with small circular movements. Then palpate the space between the breasts and armpits looking for lymph nodes. Finally, finish with gentle pressure on the nipple.
No panic, but a check-up consultation
If any alteration is discovered, “don’t panic!” In adolescence, the risk is zero. It’s less true afterwards. There is only need for an additional examination with an ultrasound scan. You can contact your GP, your midwife, your gynecologist. It is in any case interesting to have an annual consultation with one or the other of your choice.”
Dr Alevra also addresses boys: “Breast cancer also affects men”.
Next year, the high school will double these courses/workshops with the presence of physiotherapist Cécile Kahn. The operation was completed by the sale of key rings and pink crochet ribbons made by students (very beautiful!), bracelets and eco-glasses from the La Bourbonnaise race for them. Add steps every recess. And this will give a sum to be donated to the Accanthe space, housed by the hospital, which offers supportive care for people with cancer.A sale for the benefit of the Accanthe space and its support services.
Mathilde Duchatelle
