how to do a breast self-exam
forty percent of breast cancers are detected by women who discovered their own lump, according to Johns Hopkins Medical Center. being familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts can empower you to detect changes that warrant checking in with a health care provider.
1. pick the same time each month
premenopausal women: do your exam toward the end of your menstrual period to avoid hormonal changes that can influence the breast tissue.
postmenopausal women: choose a day of the month (e.g. the 1st or 15th) and consistently perform your self exam on that day.
2. examine your breasts in front of a mirror
use a mirror to visually inspect your breasts. with your arms at your side, look for signs of swelling, redness, dimpling of the skin, contouring and changes in the nipples. next, raise your arms high overhead and repeat these steps.
3. feel for unusual changes in the shower
using your three middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area by pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure looking for any lumps, hardened knots, or any other changes.
4. repeat self-exam lying down
begin by placing your right arm behind your head. using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast and armpit. use light, medium, and firm pressure. repeat these steps for your left breast and look for changes in the nipples, including discharge.