Breast Self-Exams: Tip of the Day 10-6-22

Checking your breast regularly is a good way to learn how they're suppose to look and feel. This helps catch breast cancer early in many cases. When caught early, breast cancer can be treated more effectively.

Self exams are definitely not meant to replace getting a mammogram - but in between your professional screenings, you should be studying your tata's!

Step 1

Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. You're looking for any of the symptoms listed above.

Step 2

Raise your arms and look for the same ssymptoms.

Step 3

Look for signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4

Feel for around your breasts for lumps while lying down. Use your right hand to feel your left breast, and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Press down with your fingers and move them in a circular motion that’s about the size of a quarter (or an inch around). Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Step 5

Feel your breasts for lumps while you are standing or sitting.

Start a journal where you record the findings of your breast self-exams. 

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.