How to do a Breast Cancer Self-Exam

The best time to examine your breasts is during the week after your period. That's when your breasts will be softest and least tender, and a lump will be easiest to find.

Although you might feel uncomfortable and afraid the first few times you examine your breasts, the more you get to know the individual characteristics of your breasts--where there are bands of tissue, where the breast attaches to the chest--the more comfortable the exam will become. You'll also find it easier to detect lumps, hard knots, skin thickening, or nipple discharge.

Here's a three-step technique for self-exam, courtesy of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation:

1. In the shower: Raise one arm and place your hand on the back of your head. Slowly and methodically, move the pads of your fingertips over the breast in a circular pattern. Don't forget to feel in the armpit area. Repeat on the other side.

2. Before a mirror: With your arms resting at your sides, look for changes in the shape of your breasts, as well as swelling, dimpling, or indentations in the skin, or changes in the skin or nipples. Then raise your arms over your head and repeat the procedure. Finally, place the palms of your hands on your hips and press down so that your chest muscles flex; again, look for changes in the breasts and nipples.

3. Lying down: Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using the pads of your fingertips, make the same circular pattern of your right breast as you did in the shower. Don't forget to feel the armpit and the chest area from the collarbone to below the breast. Repeat, using firmer pressure. Squeeze the nipple gently to see if there's any discharge. Repeat the procedure on the left breast.

Report any strange findings or changes to your doctor immediately!

** Remember, routine exams are an important part of Breast Cancer Awareness *

Do an exam now, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month!!

Source: The Foundation for Better Health Care