Breast self exams

Why Breast Self Exams Are Important

The more you familiarize yourself with your body, the better you’ll become at detecting when something is not right. There have been some debates over the past few years surrounding the efficacy of conducting the Breast Self Exams yourself, and some recommendations have recently changed. But it is, without a doubt, important to become familiar with how your breasts should normally look and feel. It is critical to know your body and to know what’s normal for you, this is why regularly performing breast self-exams in combination with other screening methods can increase the odds of early cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Warning Signs

Remember that symptoms will vary from person to person, so take note of any changes to the look or feel of your breasts, such as:

• Thickening or hard knots inside your breast or under your arm

• Redness, darkening, swelling, or warmth of your breast

• Changes in the shape or size of your breast

• Puckering or dimpling of your breast’s skin, similar to an orange peel

• Discharge from your nipple

It’s helpful to know that breast lumps can also be benign. However, if you do find something abnormal don’t panic, simply make an appointment to see your physician.

How To Preform a Breast Self Exam

1. Face a mirror with your shoulders straight and hands on your hips. Look for changes in size, shape, color as well as changes to the skin and nipple.
2. Repeat this with arms raised. Also check for any fluid coming out of the nipples.
3. Lie down on a flat surface. Use your right hand to feel your left breast. Using the pads of your fingers, go in a circular motion around an area about the size of a quarter. Start at the nipple and cover your entire breast.
4. Repeat using your left hand to check your right breast, remembering to use light, medium & firm pressure each time.
5. Repeat while sitting or standing. It may be easier to do this part in the shower, as the skin becomes wet & slippery.