Understanding Your Breasts
Before you begin performing self-exams, it’s crucial to understand your breasts’ normal appearance and feel. This includes knowing their typical size, shape, texture, and any pre-existing lumps or bumps. Regularly noting these characteristics will help you easily identify any changes. Everyone’s breasts are different, and there’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal.” Don’t be alarmed by slight variations in size or texture between your breasts – asymmetry is common. Take a few minutes each month to simply observe your breasts in the mirror, noting anything that feels unusual or looks different from usual. This familiarization is the first step in effective breast self-examination.
The Best Time to Perform a Self-Exam
The ideal time to perform a breast self-exam is about a week after your period ends. This is because your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender at this point in your cycle, making it easier to detect any changes. However, if you don’t menstruate, or if you’ve gone through menopause, choose a consistent day each month to perform your self-exam. Consistency is key; making it a regular part of your routine, like brushing your teeth, will help you stay on track. Don’t worry about being perfectly precise with the timing; the important thing is to perform the exam regularly.
The Visual Inspection
Start by standing in front of a mirror, ideally in a well-lit room. Examine your breasts visually, looking for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes in the skin texture like redness, scaling, or thickening. Pay attention to the nipples, checking for any inversion, discharge, or scaling. Raise your arms above your head and observe again, looking for the same changes. Finally, gently press on your nipples and note if there’s any discharge. Remember, any unusual changes warrant a visit to your doctor.
The Feel Inspection (Lying Down)
Lie down on a flat surface with a pillow or rolled-up towel under your right shoulder. This flattens your breast tissue, making it easier to examine. Use the pads of your fingers, not your fingertips, to feel your breast in a circular motion. Start at your outer breast, working your way in towards the nipple. Cover the entire breast, including the area under your armpit and up to your collarbone. Use three different levels of pressure – light, medium, and firm – to feel for any lumps, bumps, or thickening. Repeat this process on your left breast.
The Feel Inspection (Standing or Showering)
While lying down provides a thorough examination, many women find it easier to feel their breasts while standing up or showering. Use the same circular motion and three levels of pressure as described above. If showering, the soapy water can help your fingers glide over your skin more easily. Pay close attention to the area around your nipple and areola. You can also use this method to check your breasts for any changes while you’re washing and rinsing your body.
Understanding What to Look For
It’s important to differentiate between normal breast tissue and something that requires medical attention. Most breast tissue feels lumpy or bumpy, especially as we age. However, if you notice a new lump or bump that’s different from others, feels hard or has irregular edges, or is accompanied by other changes like skin irritation or nipple discharge, you should consult your doctor immediately. Don’t panic if you find something unusual; many lumps are benign. However, early detection is crucial for the best outcome, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or bump, skin changes, nipple discharge, or changes in breast size or shape. Early detection is key, and your doctor can perform a more thorough examination and determine the cause of any concerns. Don’t delay seeking professional advice, even if you feel the changes are minor. Remember, regular breast self-exams are a crucial part of preventative healthcare, helping you become familiar with your body and enabling early detection of any potential problems.
Making Breast Self-Exams a Habit
The most effective way to use breast self-exams for early detection is to make them a regular habit. Schedule a specific day each month and set a reminder on your phone or calendar. The more consistently you perform self-exams, the more familiar you’ll become with your breasts’ normal feel and texture, making it easier to detect any unusual changes. Consider writing down any observations you make during your exams, including the date and a description of any lumps or changes you notice. This information can be valuable for your doctor.