This incomplete color film with opening and closing titles missing offers an educational look at breast exam procedures in a doctor’s office, as well as instructions for performing a self-exam at home (TRT: 7:56). It likely dates to the late 1950s/early 1960s as it predates the use of mammography. Modern mammography methods were developed late in the 1960s and first officially recommended by the American Cancer Society in 1976. The first completely dedicated mammography unit was developed by Gros in France in the middle 1960s

Film begins in progress, as a woman in a doctor’s office rises from her chair clutching a handbag. The doctor wears a black bow-tie (0:06). A breast examination begins. The doctor uses his hand to rub the woman’s breast in a circular motion, feeling for lumps. A nurse looks on (0:08). The doctor takes the patient’s hand and guides her through the process as she lies down. She feels a ridge, which he identifies as a normal part of the breast structure. “You have nothing to worry about.” A sigh of relief (0:20). A self-examination demonstration is offered and accepted. The patient sits up and holds her shoulders level. Look for any change in appearance (1:21). Arms are raised above the head. Hands are brought down to chin level and pressed together. No signs of puckering skin (2:05). Next, the woman lies down again. “Palpation” is defined as “touching or feeling.” A pillow is placed below the woman’s shoulder. “Think of your breast as the face of a clock or a wheel with spokes… Follow each spoke to the center, the nipple. Press gently but firmly with the flat of your fingers” (2:46). The doctor says to pay particular attention to the upper area of the breast. The woman begins to check herself unassisted. “Suppose I did have cancer, doctor, would I be able to find it myself?” (4:17). The doctor reassures her. The examination concluded, the nurse covers the patient with a sheet (5:08). A splice and a cut. The woman, now at home, reviews the breast exam procedure in front of a vanity mirror in a bedroom (5:46). A note about good lighting and the use of a rolled towel as shoulder padding (6:30). The right breast is examined with the left hand, then the process is reversed. “Between examinations, I’m able to put all thoughts of breast cancer out of my mind” (7:06).

Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among women in the United States. It is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different types of breast cancer, determined by which cells in the breast become cancerous. Most breast cancer begins in the ducts or lobules rather than the connective tissue. The most common kinds of breast cancer are the invasive ductal carcinoma and the invasive lobular carcinoma. Breast cancer risk can be reduced by keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and having regular mammograms and check-ups with a doctor.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com