Regular breast self-examinations can go a long way in early detection of breast cancer. Women over the age of 18 should perform regular breast self-exams to ensure overall health. Even if you are too young for a mammogram, you can still help yourself by performing a self-examination once a month.
Schedule it In
Regular breast exams don't work if they aren't done regularly. Follow these tips for remembering to examine yourself:
- Put it on your calendar or in your day planner. If you don't want others to see your reminder, you can always abbreviate it "BSE" for discretion.
- Schedule it with something else. If you color your hair once a month, try to remember to perform your breast self-exam on the same day you recolor your hair. Or do it every time you pay your bills, or every time you get your hair cut.
- Check yourself in the shower. This can be an easy way to remember regular exams if you make it part of your morning routine once a month. Try choosing the same day every month so you don't forget.
Procedure to Follow
Breast self-examinations may seem fairly self-explanatory, but you should follow a specific pattern for your exam to be effective. Use these tips:
- An exam should come in two parts: looking and feeling.
- For the "looking" portion of the exam, stand topless in front of a mirror. Hold your arms at your sides and examine yourself. Then raise your arms over your head and do it again. Look from both sides as well.
- For the "feeling" portion of your exam, lie on your back (or you can remain standing). Put one arm over your head and feel that breast with your opposite hand.
- During the exam, keep your fingers together and flat. Press on your breast, but not too hard. Make sure you cover the entire breast during your exam; you can do this by moving systematically in a circular or linear pattern across the breast.
What to Look For
When you examine your breast, you are looking for signs of possible cancer or other problems.
- During the visual portion of the exam, look for redness, puckering or bumps.
- When feeling your breasts, feel for lumps and bumps. You should also take note of any swelling, pain, flaking skin or nipple discharge.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, make a note of it (and the area on your breast where you felt it) and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
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