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3 Simple Steps for Performing a Complete Breast Exam at Home

A breast self-exam can help you detect breast cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.

By Oliver AbasPublished 4 years ago 3 min read

Women should be aware of their breast health and perform breast exams at home on a regular basis. A complete Breast Exam at Home consists of 3 simple steps that can help detect any changes in the breasts that may be cause for concern. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to properly perform a complete Breast Exam at Home so that you can take charge of your breast health.

1) Step One: In the Shower

The first step to performing a complete breast exam at home is to do it in the shower. Start by standing in front of a mirror and examining your breasts for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Then, use the pads of your fingers to feel for lumps or any other changes in your breast tissue. As you examine each breast, gently squeeze the nipple to check for any fluid discharge.

Next, stand in the shower and use the fingertips of one hand to feel your entire breast. Move in a circular pattern around the breast and up toward the armpit area. Be sure to use light pressure and feel for any changes in texture or lumps. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the breast, including the nipple area.

If you find any areas of concern, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor to have them checked out as soon as possible. Don’t forget to also perform this exam on your other breast!

2) Step Two: In Front of the Mirror

It is important to perform a breast exam in front of the mirror to check for any physical changes in the breasts. The exam should start by standing with your arms at your sides, facing the mirror. While looking in the mirror, inspect your breasts for any changes in size, shape, contour, or color. Look for any puckering, dimpling, bulging, redness, or sores on the skin of the breast.

Next, raise your arms and place your hands on your hips, pressing firmly to flex the chest muscles. Look carefully for any differences between the two sides, such as differences in size or shape. Repeat this action while also examining the armpit area for any swelling or lumps.

Finally, while still standing in front of the mirror, use your fingers to feel around the entire breast area and armpit region. Pay attention to any changes in the feel of the skin or the texture of the tissue. If you notice any changes, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

3) Step Three: Lying Down

The third step of a complete breast exam at home is to lie down and use the flat of your hand to do a thorough check. Lying down with your left arm above your head, use the flat of your right hand to make small circles around the left breast area. Check for any lumps or abnormalities in the breast tissue, moving your hand around in small, circular motions. Do the same with your left hand and the right breast area.

Make sure you cover the entire area, including up to your collarbone and out to your armpit. As you’re doing this check, pay close attention to any unusual lumps or hard areas that feel different from the surrounding tissue.

If you find anything unusual, call your doctor right away. Keep in mind that some lumps are normal and not necessarily cancerous, but it’s still important to have them checked out by a medical professional.

A woman should know how to determine if there is anything wrong with your breasts. The earlier you catch wind of something, the better your recovery becomes. Find it here.

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    Written by Oliver Abas