self-breast examination

Performing a natural or self-breast examination is an important practice for early detection of breast cancer. While it’s not a substitute for regular screenings by a healthcare provider, it can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any changes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a self-breast examination:

1. Start with a Visual self-breast Examination

– Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

– Look at your breasts for any visible changes, such as differences in size or shape, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipple (like inversion or discharge).

– Raise your arms and look for the same changes, paying attention to both breasts.

2. Examine While Lying Down

– Lie down on your back, which helps spread the breast tissue evenly over your chest, making it easier to feel for lumps.

– Use your right hand to examine your left breast and your left hand to examine your right breast.

– With the pads of your fingers, use a circular motion to feel the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

– Follow a pattern to ensure you cover the entire breast. You can use vertical lines (up and down), circular motions (starting at the nipple and moving outward), or wedge patterns (from the nipple outward).

3. Feel for Changes While Standing or Sitting

– Some women find it easier to feel changes in their breasts when their skin is wet, so this step can be done in the shower.
– Using the same hand movements described above, examine your breasts while standing or sitting.

4. Know What to Look For while you carryout self-breast examination

– Lumps or thickened areas that feel different from the rest of the breast tissue.
– Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
– Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing.
– Any new, persistent pain in one spot that doesn’t go away.
– Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.

5. Report Any Changes to a Healthcare Provider

– If you notice any changes or unusual findings during your self-examination, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Regular self-breast examinations are a proactive way to stay aware of your breast health. While most changes you might feel or see during a self-exam are not cancerous, it’s crucial to report anything unusual to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Remember, self-breast examination should be part of a broader breast health strategy, including regular screenings like mammograms and professional examinations as recommended by your doctor. Early detection is key in successfully treating breast cancer, making self-awareness an important tool in maintaining your overall health.