Breast self-examination guide
Breast self examination is an important role that women can play in maintaining their breast health. By doing so regularly, you can be familiar with how your breasts look and feel normally. This will enable you to notice any changes as a result. If a change occurs, for instance, you develop a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling you will be aware of it and can seek medical advice right away.
The optimum time to carry out your self-examination is 7 days after your period has started as your breasts will not be as tender. If you are on the oral contraceptive pill then you should do it on the day you start a new pack. You should ensure you check your breasts on a regular basis about once a month. A simple and sensible way to remember is to put a reminder in your diary each month. According to Dr Duncan Jefferson the HBF family doctor, it is important to see your own medical practitioner to get advice on how to do a breast examination: “Get instructions because you want to be confident about understanding what you are feeling for.”
It is a good idea to do your examination in front of a mirror as your self examination comprises of two parts. You need to look and feel your breasts so while self examination in the shower is valuable, it should be combined with a visual examination as well.
Look
When looking in the mirror you are looking for visual changes such as changes in the colour and shape of both your breast and nipples. You should do this from four positions:
- with your arms at your side
- your arms raised above your head
- hands on your hips
- leaning slightly forward
You need to examine your breasts from all these positions keeping an eye out for any changes.
Feel
The next step is to lie down and feel your breasts. You should use the opposite arm to feel your opposite breast, so your right arm to feel your left breast and vice versa. Using 3 or 4 of your fingers firmly press on your breast beginning with your nipple and working outward around your breast. This should take you up to your collarbone and outward to your cleavage. You should note any changes to your breast in terms of tenderness or lumps.
It is important to reiterate that a proper self breast examination should be supervised initially by your doctor to ensure you are doing it properly. Breast self examination is an excellent way to be pro-active in the care and management of your breasts. As Dr Jefferson says: “Even if it only gives a 10% advantage of picking up breast cancer, if you are that person, you want that 10%.” Whilst the vast majority of lumps and changes to your breasts will not be sinister or dangerous, being active in your breast care is one way to contribute to your overall health management plan.
