How to Do a Breast Self-exam for Cancer

Breast self-exams are used to check for abnormal lumps and bumps in the breast tissue. Breast self-exams are a good way for both men and women to know what their breasts normally look and feel like which helps them to realize when an abnormality arises. Breast self-exams can be done on a regular basis as a tool for early detection against breast cancer, but should not substitute a clinical breast exam by a licensed medical practitioner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• time

1. To do a breast self-exam first you must remove all clothing from the waist up and lay on your back to allow the breast tissue to spread evenly across your chest.

2. Take the index, middle and ring fingers of your left hand (not the finger tips) and place them on your right breast. Make a slow and small circle using light, medium and heavy pressure to feel the different layers of tissue from the skin to the ribs and breastbone.

3. Check all of the breast tissue going vertically from the collar bone down to a few finger spaces below the nipple and from the armpit to the breastbone. Move one finger width up or down until you have covered the entire breast.

4. Repeat the procedure with the right hand on the left breast.

Tips & Warnings

• Although breast cancer is more common in women over 50, breast cancer can occur in both men and women of any age.
• Do not be immediately concerned if you feel a lump in one breast. Check the other breast and if you feel a lump in the same area. If so then that is probably normal for you.
• You can also check your breasts in the shower by placing one arm over your head.
• Breast self exams should be done once a month about the same time every month.
• Breast self-exams are not intended to replace regular check-ups and are only designed to familiarize yourself with your breast tissue.

[shaztheripper]

on 6/11/2009 I asked a friend who is an oncologist.

[athome]

on 6/11/2009 Ok Shaz, how did you learn to do a breast self exam? Great article all the same. 5*

[janni]

on 6/6/2009 Thanks for sharing, it reminds me my self breast exam, and going to the gyn to request it...

[jcoolcash11]

on 6/4/2009 Very important information on doing a self breast exam, thank you RRCR5*

[cherylphillips]

on 6/4/2009 very, very important info 5*