How To Perform A Breast Self-Examination
Early detection of breast cancer is an effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. By performing regular breast self-exams, you will be more likely to recognise unusual changes in your breasts, which could be an early sign of breast cancer.
Here’s everything you need to know about breast cancer self-examinations, including how to perform one.
WHAT IS A BREAST CANCER SELF-EXAMINATION?
A breast self-exam is an inspection of your breasts that you do by yourself to understand the normal look and feel of your breasts. By performing regular self-examinations, you can more easily notice a change in your breasts that seems abnormal.
WHY BREAST SELF-EXAMS ARE IMPORTANT
Although breast self-exams are not a proven technique to detect breast cancer, a large portion of women report that one of the first signs of their breast cancer was an unusual lump they discovered themselves.
Regular breast self-exams help you become more familiar with the normal consistency of your breasts; if anything changes, you will have a higher likelihood of detecting abnormalities.
BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION STEPS
If you know what your breasts feel like in their normal and healthy state, it will be easier to detect unusual changes if they occur. Here’s how to perform a breast self-exam.
STEP 1: VISUALLY INSPECT YOUR BREASTS IN FRONT OF A MIRROR
Start off by visually inspecting your breasts with your arms by your side. Next, raise your arms overhead as if to touch the ceiling
You should be looking for any visual changes in the skin:
- Rash
- Swelling
- Redness
- Dimpling
- Sunken nipple
- Growing veins
- New shape/size
STEP 2: PERFORM A PHYSICAL INSPECTION WHILST LAYING DOWN
The next step is to check for abnormalities by feeling your breast while laying down.
Place a pillow under your right shoulder. Begin in the armpit and make a series of three small circles. Use a firm touch with the three middle fingers of your hand, keeping your fingers flat and together. Using varying pressure – light, medium, and deep – cover your entire breast, and repeat for the other side.
STEP 3: PERFORM A STANDING VISUAL INSPECTION IN THE SHOWER
A breast self-exam is easier to perform when the skin is wet and soapy. Many women choose to perform this step in the shower, but it is not mandatory to perform in the shower.
Raise your right arm above your head and use the touch technique described in the previous step. Repeat for the other side.
BREAST SELF-EXAM FAQS
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions around breast self-exams.