HOW TO PERFORM YOUR
Breast Self-Exam?
Did you know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime?
That’s a shocking statistic, but taking care of your breast health doesn’t have to be difficult if you maintain healthy habits and have access to reliable information.
Today, we want to encourage you to be proactive and take action in the fight against breast cancer.
First, know your breasts!
Becoming familiar with your breasts helps you identify any lumps or physical changes. Performing a self-exam once a month is especially important.
We understand that the demands of everyday life can make it easy to forget, but an early detection plan—as simple as a monthly self-check—could save your life.
Tips To Perform a Proper Self-Exam
In the Shower
Use the pads of your three middle fingers to apply light, medium, and firm pressure on the entire breast and armpit area. Each month, feel for lumps, thickening, hardened knots, or any other changes.
In front of a Mirror
With your arms at your sides, examine your breasts visually. Next, raise your arms high in the air. Check the contour of the breast, the skin for any swelling or dimpling, and the nipples for any changes. Press firmly on your chest muscles while resting your palms on your hips.
Keep in mind that few women's breasts match exactly, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes in one breast in particular.
Lying Down
Again, use the pads of your three middle fingers to check the entire breast and armpit area, applying light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or other changes. Squeeze the nipple to check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you can take control of your breast health and increase the chances of early detection. Remember, your health is important, and taking a few minutes each month for a self-exam could make all the difference.