How to Check Yourself For Breast Cancer?
It is highly important for you to know how to check yourself. Self-breast exams should be taken every month. This allows you to stay informed and can help you detect any issues earlier on.
This article primarily uses research from www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/breast-self-exam-bse https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/
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Here are three ways for you to self-examine.
1. Examine Yourself in the Mirror
Firstly, examine your breasts by placing your hands on your hips while observing them through a mirror. Start looking for abnormalities such as bulging, dimpling, swelling, red, or sore skin. Check for any unusual changes in the shape of your breasts and nipples. Signs of abnormalities in your nipples include if they are pointing inward rather than outward and if any discharge such as blood, watery, or yellow fluids is coming out of your nipple(s).
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Secondly, raise your arms in the air so that you can once again examine your breasts for any of the abnormalities listed above.
2. Examine Yourself in the Shower
For some women, checking their breasts while in the shower is an easier and more effective way to find lumps due to the skin's slippery nature. Using the pads of your three middle fingers, gently move them around in circular motions around your breast with steady pressure. Make sure to check around your entire breast and armpit area. Certain patterns, such as starting from the nipple and progressing towards the outer edges of the breast, can ensure thorough coverage. Another pattern would be through moving your fingers vertically, both upwards and downwards.
Lumps, thickening, and firm knots are indicators of abnormalities.
3. Examine Yourself While Lying Down
Examining yourself while lying down is a common way of checking your breasts. Elevate your right shoulder by placing a pillow underneath it and then extend your arm behind your head. Examine yourself the same way you would during a shower examination (refer to step #2), by using the pads of your three middle fingers and moving them around in specific patterns. To check for discharge, gently squeeze your nipple. Any blood, yellow, or watery liquid is an abnormality.
Should you come across any unfamiliar features in your breast, stay calm. Self-examinations are not always accurate and not all lumps are cancerous. It is best if you contact a doctor and get a professional breast check-up. If financial constraints are a concern, contact us. MammogramMe offers free breast examinations to women in need and, if necessary, mammograms.