How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam At Home?

Performing a breast self-exam is an important way to take control of your own breast health. While mammograms and clinical breast exams are also important, they are not always enough to detect all breast abnormalities. A breast self-exam can help you become familiar with your own breasts and detect any changes or abnormalities early on. This can lead to earlier detection and potentially better outcomes in the case of breast cancer. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform a breast self-exam.

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

The best time to perform a breast self-exam is about a week after your period starts. This is because your breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen during this time. If you have gone through menopause, you can choose any day of the month to perform your self-exam.

Step 2: Get Comfortable

It is important to be comfortable during your breast self-exam. You can perform the exam in the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down. Choose a position that works best for you.

Step 3: Examine Your Breasts in the Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the shape, size, or texture of your breasts. Check for any dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin. Look for any changes in the nipple, such as inversion or discharge. Also, check for any redness, rash, or swelling.

Next, raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes. Finally, put your hands on your hips and press your hands firmly against your hips. This will cause your chest muscles to contract, making it easier to detect any changes in your breasts.

Step 4: Examine Your Breasts While Lying Down

Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use your left hand to examine your right breast. Use the pads of your fingers to feel for any lumps or thickening in your breast tissue. Use a circular motion, starting at the nipple and working your way out to the edge of your breast. Be sure to cover the entire breast, including the area under your arm.

Next, use your right hand to examine your left breast. Again, use the pads of your fingers to feel for any lumps or thickening in your breast tissue. Use a circular motion, starting at the nipple and working your way out to the edge of your breast. Be sure to cover the entire breast, including the area under your arm.

Step 5: Examine Your Breasts While Standing or Sitting

While standing or sitting, use the same circular motion with your fingers to examine your breasts. Use your right hand to examine your left breast and your left hand to examine your right breast. Be sure to cover the entire breast, including the area under your arm.

Step 6: Check for Nipple Discharge

Finally, check your nipples. Gently squeeze each nipple between your thumb and index finger and check for any discharge. Also, note if there is any change in the shape or position of your nipples.

If you notice any nipple discharge during your self-exam, make note of the color and consistency of the discharge. If the discharge is clear or milky, it is likely normal. However, if the discharge is bloody or clear and watery, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

Step 7: Repeat Your Breast Self-Exam Regularly

It is important to perform a breast self-exam every month. This will help you become familiar with your own breasts and detect any changes early on. If you notice any changes during your self-exam, contact your healthcare provider right away.

It is significant to remember that performing a breast self-exam does not replace regular mammograms or clinical breast exams by a healthcare provider. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect any changes in the breast tissue that may not be felt during a self-exam. A clinical breast exam is a physical exam of the breast done by a healthcare provider.

Tips for Performing a Breast Self-Exam

• Use the same pattern to examine your breasts every month. This will help you detect any changes more easily.
• Don’t panic if you find a lump.
• Visit your healthcare provider immediately if you are in doubt.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you notice any changes in your breasts during a self-exam, it is important to see a healthcare provider. While many breast changes are not cancerous, some may be a sign of breast cancer. Your healthcare provider can perform a clinical breast exam, order a mammogram or other imaging tests, and determine if a biopsy is necessary.

In addition to performing regular breast self-exams, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight:

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.

• Being physically active:

Regular exercise can help lower your risk of breast cancer.

• Limiting alcohol consumption:

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.