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What is breast self exam?
Breast self exam is a way a woman can examine her breasts to look for changes (such lumps
or thickenings) that may signal breast cancer. When a woman detects breast cancer in its
early stages, she greatly improves her chances for surviving the disease. Most lumps
(80 percent) are not breast cancer, but you can help ensure your breast health by regularly
performing a breast self exam.
When should I perform a breast self exam?
You should perform a breast self exam once a month, three to five days after your
menstrual period ends. If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day
of each month, such as the first day of the month or a day easy for you to
remember, such as your birth date. With each exam, you will become familiar with the contours and feel of your
breasts, and will be more alert to changes.
How do I perform a breast self exam?
To perform a breast self exam, follow the steps described below.
In the mirror
1. The first part of the exam is inspection, or looking at your
breasts. Stand undressed from waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lighted room.
Look at your breasts. Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape. Most
women's breasts are not. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in your
breasts' size, shape, texture or skin. Look for any sores as well as any skin puckering, dimpling,
or
discoloration of the skin. Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling or change in the
direction of the nipples.
2. Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the
chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer
part of your breasts.
3. Bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and
elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any
changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
4. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again,
turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to inspect the
border underneath your breasts. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see
this area.
5. Check your nipples for discharge (fluid). Place your thumb and forefinger on
the tissue surrounding the nipple, and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for
any discharge. Repeat on your other breast.
In the shower
6. The second part of the exam is palpation, or feeling for changes.
It is
helpful to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening
in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to
feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side.
7. Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your
collarbone.
8. With hands
soapy, support the breast with one hand while using the other hand to feel the tissue. Use
the flat part of your fingers to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down
pattern along the breast, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until
you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side.
Lying down
9. Next, lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right
shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the upper portion
of your right breast with fingers together and flat. Body lotion may help to make
palpation easier.
10. Think of your breast as a face on a clock. Start at
12 o'clock and move
toward 1 o'clock in small circular motions. Continue around the entire circle until you
reach 12 o'clock again. Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast.
When the circle is complete, move in one inch toward the nipple and complete another
circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until your entire breast has been
palpated. Make sure to palpate the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.
11. Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the
nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.
Repeat steps 9, 10, and 11 on your other breast.
What should I do if I find a lump?
See your physician if you discover any new breast changes, changes
that persist after your menstrual cycle or changes that concern you. Conditions that should be checked by a physician include:
- An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists
through the menstrual cycle
- A change in the size, shape or contour of the breast
- A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
- A marble-like area under the skin
- A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple
[dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed (red, warm or swollen)]
- Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples
- Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
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