Getting to know how your breasts look and feel will help you pick up any changes, fast.
Follow these four steps to self-examine your breasts once a month.
Follow these four steps to self-examine your breasts once a month.
- Try to check your breast at the same time every month, preferably after your period. If you don’t get your period choose a regular day each month for your self-examination.
- Lying on your back put your left hand behind your head. Using your right hand make circular movements to examine your left breast for lumps or thickening. Start lightly before applying a little more pressure to feel deeper for any usual areas.
- Next, using the same technique, examine up to your collarbone and out to your armpit.
- Repeat on the other side.
What to look for, according Breast Cancer Network Australia:
- A new lump in your breast or underarm (armpit)
- Thickening or swelling of part of your breast
- Irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in your nipple area or your breast
- Pulling in of your nipple or pain in your nipple area
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Any change in the size or the shape of your breast
- Pain in any area of your breast
Mornington Medical Group’s head nurse Kim, says “It is not important how you perform your breast check, just that you do. Get to know your own breast then you will know if there are any changes”. Always speak with your Doctor if you have any concerns or notice any changes.
Useful web links: Breast Cancer Network Australia and from the iTunes App Store the “Breast Self-Examination Guide” App
