In line with the key messages during Pink October, Conducting a self-exam on your breasts is the easiest way to detect breast cancer early on. This article will break down easy steps you can follow when conducting your next self-examination.
There are three steps necessary to perform a thorough breast self-exam. Each of these steps should be completed each time you perform a breast self-exam.
1) In the Shower
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area, pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month, feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes.
2) In Front of a Mirror
With your arms at your sides, visually inspect your breasts, looking for any changes in the contour or shape of the breasts, any dimpling, swelling, or other skin irregularities on or around the breasts, or any changes in the nipples.
Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other changes, particularly on one side. Note that the left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts are perfectly symmetrical.
3) Lying Down
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your 3 middle fingers around your right breast, covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes. Also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
When and How Often should you Check?
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.
For women still menstruating, a breast self-exam should be performed a few days after her period ends.
For those who are post-menopausal, a breast self-exam should be performed on the same day of each month, such as the 1st or 15th day of the month.
Breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. In case you find a lump or change in your breasts make sure to see specialist healthcare professional for medical tests and the way forward.
For more resources and support look into cancer-based organizations like; Faraja Cancer Support
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