Travel Nursing Professionals and Breast Cancer Awareness
Omaha, NE (PRWEB) October 31, 2013 -- Aureus Medical Group, a nationwide leader in medical staffing, including travel nursing healthcare careers, advises those working as a travel nurse to make extra efforts to promote breast cancer awareness. As important, travel nurses are encouraged to be advocates for their own health by performing self-exams on an ongoing basis and obtaining a regular annual exam.
Self-examination:
A majority of individuals who experience fatal interactions with breast cancer have not been screened. Women should conduct regular self-examinations once a month. Although 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.
A waterproof exam how-to guide that can be hung in the shower may be helpful in performing self-exams. The pad of fingers should 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.
While lying down, place a pillow under the right shoulder, with the right arm under the head. Use the left hand in the same motion as mentioned above to feel from the breast area to the armpit. Check the breast tissue closest to the armpit, as this is one of the areas most prone to cancer cells.
On top of feeling for potential problems, it’s also important to look for changes to the breasts. Do so both when your arms are at the 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 breasts will not look identical to one another, but it’s important to talk with a physician if any changes are noticed or signs that indicate a reason for concern.
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, those working in travel nursing jobs should share tips and suggestions with patients year round and be able to properly explain the best methods for breast self-examination. In addition, they should be sure to follow the same advice with regards to their own health.
Mary Carrick, Aureus Medical Group, +1 (402) 891-0009, [email protected]
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