Regular breast self-exams empower you to detect changes early, improving outcomes if breast cancer is diagnosed. As trusted health experts recommend, focus on these essential checks during your monthly routine.
1. Know Your Normal Breast Feel
Familiarize yourself with your breasts' typical texture and sensation. Breasts naturally evolve through life stages like pregnancy and menopause, so consistent self-exams help you spot subtle shifts quickly.
2. Examine Breast Appearance
Look for changes in size, shape, skin texture, or nipple position. Visual inspection is a critical first step in professional screening protocols.
3. Feel for Abnormalities
Relax your chest muscles by placing one hand behind your head. Use the opposite hand's flat pads of fingers to examine in circular and stroking motions—start with light pressure, then firmer. Mentally divide each breast into quarters for full coverage, including armpits. Perform standing, lying down, or in the shower; lying is often easier for larger breasts.
4. Recognize Potential Changes
Be alert for: a lump or thickening, skin dimpling, non-healing sores, armpit swelling, skin changes, nipple retraction, soreness, or warm spots. Always consult a doctor for evaluation—no self-exam can confirm if a finding is benign.
Read also: A lump in your breast: harmless or not?
