Two Easy Steps for Performing a Breast Self-Exam
For women, performing routine self-breast examinations to check for lumps or unusual changes in the breasts is one of the most important aspects of preventative care. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; discovering the disease early-on and seeking treatment for as soon as possible can improve a woman's chance of survival.
If you're a woman, here are two easy steps for performing a breast self-exam in the comfort of your own home:
Look at Your Breasts
You should take the time to become familiar with what your breasts look like. Stand in front of a mirror, and look at your breasts from all different angles. Start by keeping your arms to your sides. Then, raise one arm at a time overhead and exam each breast while the arm is raised. Then, switch arms. As you become more familiar with the look of your breasts, you should be on the alert for any visible changes in color or texture, or any visible swelling or dimpling of the skin.
Feel Your Breasts
You can perform a self-breast exam either while in the shower or lying down. While looking at your breasts is important, performing a breast self-exam by touch is critical.
To begin, place one arm above your head, tuck your hand behind your head and creating a 90-degree angle with your elbow. Then, use the pads of the fingers of your other hand to feel the breast on the side of your body with the raised arm. Start at the outermost part of your breast, right below your armpit. Push firmly, using the pads of your fingers to feel for any bulges, lumps, bumps. Continue feeling your breast by making a circular pattern, starting at the outer edge of the breast and moving inwards towards the nipple. When you reach the nipple, squeeze and check for any discharge. Then, perform the same pattern on the other breast.
Preventative Care Matters
Taking the time to perform a self-breast exam is important, and discovering any irregularities in the breast as early as possible can be lifesaving. A breast self-exam is one of the best preventive care measures a woman can take to protect herself.
If you do notice anything out of the ordinary, make sure you schedule an official breast exam with your doctor as soon as possible. Not all abnormalities in your breasts are indicative of cancer, but ruling out the possibility of cancer and getting your breasts examined by a physician is important.
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