Early detection is critical in treating breast cancer, so
adult women of all ages are encouraged to conduct self-examinations once a
month. Conducting these exams regularly
helps you familiarize yourself with the look and feel of your breasts so that
you can more easily detect changes. Breast self-exams should be performed in
front of a mirror, in the shower, and lying down. Read this article to learn
how.
In Front of A Mirror
1. Stand in front of a mirror with your shirt and bra off.
Be sure that you are in a well-lit area and that you can clearly see your
entire chest area.
2. Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your
sides. Look for the following things: changes in the contour of the breasts,
unusual swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the shape of the nipple.
3. Raise both of your arms over your head. Again, look for
any changes in breast contour, swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in
the shape of the nipple.
4. Bring your arms back down to your sides. Press your palms
firmly on your hips to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling,
puckering, or other unusual changes in your breasts' appearance.
5. Report any changes to your healthcare provider. Report
any visual changes you notice to your healthcare provider so that he or she can
conduct a proper examination.
In The Shower
Lift your right arm
over your head and use your left hand to examine your right breast. Use the
pads of your fingers to feel around the entire breast area in circular motions.
Feel for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. 1.Breast tissue extends from the nipple to
underneath the armpit. Be sure to check the entire area of your breast,
including the armpits and along the sides of your breast 2. Bring your arm back down, and repeat the
examination on your left breast.Again, move your fingers in circular motions
and feel for lumps, knots, or thickening. 3. Report any changes to your
healthcare provider. If you feel an unusual lump or knot in your breast, then
let your healthcare provider know immediately so that he or she can conduct a
proper examination.
Lying Down
1. Lie down on your back with a pillow or towel underneath
your right shoulder.Rest your right arm behind your head. 2. Use your left hand
to gently feel the entire breast area in small circular motions. Be sure to
feel the sides of your breasts and right armpit area as well. Feel for any
lumps, thickening, or knots. 3.Use light, medium, and hard pressure. 4. Squeeze
your nipple gently with your left hand. Check for any discharge or lumps in the
nipple. 5. Repeat the examination on the left breast. Again, use small circular
motions to check the left breast for lumps, thickening, knots, or discharge. 6.
Report any changes to your doctor. If you find any unusual lumps, thickening,
knots, or discharge, then make an appointment with your healthcare provider
immediately so that he or she can conduct a proper examination.
Warnings
Breast cancer risk is higher for women who have a history of
breast cancer in the family. Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or
daughter) with breast cancer nearly doubles a woman's risk.
A woman's breast cancer risk increases with age. Women over
the age of 50 are at higher risk for breast cancer than those under 50.
Self-exams alone are not sufficient to properly detect
breast cancer, and should be combined with regular mammogram screenings.
Remember that mammograms can detect breast cancer before a visible lump can be
felt or seen.
Breast cancer occurs in men as well, so men
should also conduct these self-screenings. However, breast cancer is 100 times
more common