Self breast exams

Self breast exam should be done at least four time a year and a woman should not wait until she thinks there is a problem before she checks her breasts. Before you actually touch your breasts, stand in front of a mirror (unclothed) with both hands over your head and look for anything that may be different. This exam should be done the same way each time you check your breasts. Set up a routine and stick to it.

· Are both breasts symmetrical?

· Any dimpling of the skin, much like an orange?

· Inverted nipples?

· One breast noticeably larger or swollen?

· Any discoloration, patches of brown or red areas?

How to do a self-breast examination.

Positioning

· Laying flat on your back with a pillow under your head. When checking the right breast the right arm should be over your head.

· Standing in the shower with the arm of the breast you are checking over your head.

· Large breasted women should do it lying down, and again on their side to get the entire breast checked inside and out.

The exam:

Starting with the nipple and areola area use three fingers and push down in a circular motion rounding the breast so that you do not miss any areas. You are feeling for anything that is unusual or has changed since your last exam such as lumps, bumps or nodules. You will also check above and beneath the breast in the same manner. You then feel under the arm, and in the armpit for any lumps or unusual lumps or nodules. Do not be alarmed if you find a lump during your menstrual cycle. Do have it checked but this is not unusual to happen during this time of the month.

Repeat all of the above on the other breast as well. The best time to know what your breast should feel like is to do an exam after you have been examined by a physician and told that your breast exam was fine. This gives you a guide to go by for your self-breast exams. This is very beneficial for a woman who has fibrocystic breasts so she will be able to tell the difference between the normal “lumps and bumps” to something new or different that was not present on the last exam.

If you find a lump, do not wait to make a doctor appointment. You may feel frightened and upset. Waiting only increases that anxiety and fears. Call your physician to make the appointment.