Stay abreast of your boobs & feel it on the first.
What is a self-breast exam?
Most experts agree that early detection of breast cancer leads to a better prognosis, but how do you know if something is off if you don’t know your normal baseline? The self-breast exam is a monthly check-in with your breasts, where you visibly inspect for changes & physically feel your breast tissue & nipples for anything abnormal. Breast cancer does not discriminate, so for women and men alike, it is never too early to start checking yourself. Below we have what changes to look for as well as a step-by-step guide to walk you through the exam.
What am I looking for?
A few key things to check for during your self-breast exam:
Any change in size or shape of the breast
Visible dimpling of the skin
Nipple inversion (pulling inward)
Warmth or redness to the skin
New nipple discharge (any color or consistency)
Any visible or palpable lump
Discoloration or changes to the skin
Be sure to report any changes to your doctor.
Step 1:
While standing in front of a mirror, check your breasts for any visible changes. Be sure to check with your arms in these three positions: resting at your side, resting on the hips, & raised above your head.
Step 2:
In a circular pattern, work your fingers from outer to inner breast, ending at the nipple.
Step 3:
In a linear pattern, finger crawl up & down each breast, ending at the cleavage.
Step 4:
While standing, feel both breasts entirely, focusing one quadrant at a time.
Step 5:
Now while laying down, feel for lumps & bumps throughout both breasts.
Don’t forget to check:
The collarbones, underarms, & nipples should be included in your exam each month.
We said it before, but we will say it again: early detection saves lives. Stay abreast of your boobs & check yourself each month using this guide. A good place to start is in the shower, where you can easily glide over your skin with soapy water. It is recommended that you check your breast tissue both standing & laying down to ensure nothing is missed. Also keep in mind, men can get breast cancer too, so they should be checking themselves as well.
Let us know you did yours by commenting below and be sure to share this guide with family & friends.
