Breast Cancer Self Exam

A monthly self breast exam is very important. It will help you to get to know your breasts and be aware of any changes that are happening.

Step 1

Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides, all your going to be doing first is looking. Look at your breasts, the size, the shape, the contour, the nipples, how the skin looks, etc. It is normal if one of your breasts is larger then the other. Next place your hands on your hips and look at your breasts, looking for the same things. The first few times you do this you'll just be memorizing what your breasts look like, it would be too hard to know if there are changes at this point. Then look at your breasts again with your arms raised and your chest muscles flexed.

Step 2

Standing, with one hand placed behind your head, use your other hand to feel your breasts. Check the entire area, including the armpits and your nipples. Move your fingers in a circular pattern, you are looking for any lumps. A cancerous lump will be very hard and won't be painful if it's in the beginning stages of growth. There are 3 methods you can use. The circular method which goes around the breast in a circle. The up and down method is just that, going up and down. The wedge method starts at the nipple and works its way outward and continues that way around the breast. Next do the other breast.

Step 3

Gently squeeze each nipple and check for discharge. If there is discharge, see your doctor.

Step 4

Using the same method that you used while standing, lay down and place your hand behind your head, support your head with a pillow. Check for lumps and then move to the other breast.

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