Self-Exam for Breast Cancer
Breast Self Exam
The best time to do a breast self-exam is the week after your period when your breasts are not tender or swollen. Whit practice you will know how your breasts normally feel and you will be able to find changes.
Look at your breasts in the mirror with you hands on your hips
Do they look similar? Most do not match exactly but there should not be a big change form month to month.
Are there any dimples, swelling or changes in the skin?
Raise your arms high over your head and look at how your breasts move. Is there any pulling or puckering?
Lie on your bed and put one arm over your head
Using the opposite hand, press on your breast with your fingers flat.
Move around the breast and cover the entire area from your collarbone to below the breast and from your sternum (breastbone) to your side under your arm. Use the same pattern every time. Some women like a circle pattern, others like up and down.
Squeeze the nipple gently to check for discharge.
Repeat the entire process on the other breast.
Try this method in the shower while standing. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when you are wet and soapy.
See your health care provider if you find anything new or if you have questions about doing the exam.
For more information:
American Cancer Society. Call (800) ACS-2345 or go to www.cancer.org
Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. Go to www.yourcancerrisk.com
National Cancer Institute. Call (800) 4-Cancer or go to www.cancer.gov
KidsHealth. A great site for parents, kids, and teens. Go to www.teenshealth.org/teen/your_body/medical_care/obgyn.html
Nutrition Action Health Letter. Go to www.espinet.org
