Follow these directions to catch breast cancer early.
Many women are overwhelmed by the idea of performing a breast self-exam, but the process only takes a few minutes and can save your life. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, almost 70 percent of breast cancers are found via a self-exam. By detecting breast cancer early, there is a five-year survival rate of 98 percent.
Instructions
Shower Method
1. In the shower, arrange your four fingers so they are flat and place your left hand above your head. Apply light pressure to your breast tissue with your flattened fingers as you move them over each part of your breast to feel for any abnormalities. A gentle but firm hand will suffice.
2. Use your right hand when examining your left breast and vice versa. Check for any kind of hard lump or thickened tissue.
3. Repeat this process on a regular basis to familiarize yourself with your breasts. Whenever you do the self-exam, check for any irregularities.
Mirror Method
4. Stand in front of a mirror. Place your arms so that they are in a relaxed position by your sides. With flat fingers, feel around the entire breast for any lumps or knots. Again, use your left hand for the right breast and vice versa.
5. Raise your hands above your head and repeat the same process. Look for any contour changes in your breasts, such as swelling, dimpling or nipple irregularities.
6. Place the palms of your hands on your hips and flex the muscles in your chest. Check for any abnormalities once again.
Pillow Method
7. Put a pillow underneath your right shoulder and stretch your right arm behind your head.
8. Arrange your left hand so the fingers are flat. Press gently with small, circular motions around the entire breast. Next, move in a vertical direction from top to bottom. Make note of any lumps or irregularities and be sure to cover the entire breast.
9. Squeeze your nipple to check for discharge that may occur. Lumps can also occur in the nipple, so don't forget to feel those too.
10. Repeat this process for your left breast.
Tags: your left, entire breast, left hand, your head, your left hand, your right
