Practicing monthly self-breast exams is helpful in discovering early signs of cancer and related changes, according to the American Cancer Society. Young women should be taught how to do a home breast exam by the age of 20, recommends the Breast Cancer Prevention Fund. Adopting a monthly ritual of checking the breasts takes only a few minutes and may save your breast and your life.
Step 1
Stand in front of a mirror without clothes and observe your breasts. Look for any inconsistencies in size, shape or color on the breasts or nipples, advises the Breast Cancer Prevention Fund.
Step 2
Check nipples for any discharge. Unless you are nursing, there should be no discharge from the nipples. Gently squeeze them to double check.
Step 3
Raise one arm up over your shoulder, placing your hand on your neck behind your head. Gently but firmly, palpate the breast entirely, including the underarm area. Do this on both sides feeling for any irregularities or lumps.
Step 4
Lie down on your back on a bed or other firm surface. Placing one arm up over your head, repeat the procedure of palpating your breast, this time moving in a circle. Start from the nipple area and move your fingers outward in a circular motion, feeling for any lumps or changes in the breast tissue. Include the area under your arm and on your chest up to your collar bone.
Step 5
Report any lumps or other changes you find in your breasts to a doctor or other health practitioner immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- Gently press and drag your finger tips over the breast tissue becoming familiar with your own breasts. This familiarity will help in the future should any growths appear. Many women have fibrocystic breasts, which means they have fatty cysts in the breast tissue that feel like little round or oval shaped lumps. These cysts move easily in the breast and are generally harmless. Avoiding caffeine may help reduce the incidence of the cysts. Tell your doctor if you find cysts or other lumps in your breasts. Wait a few days to about a week after menstruation to do a breast exam during child-bearing years, adds Breast Cancer Prevention Fund. Menopausal women should check their breasts on the same day, monthly.
- Changes to the nipples or discharge should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Bed or firm surface
- Clean hands
