How to Document Findings of a Breast Examination
Doing a monthly breast self-exam is the singular best way to catch breast cancer in its earliest stages, according to the American Cancer Society. To conduct an exam, lie down and raise your right arm over your head. Then use your the middle three fingers of your left hand to feel the breast using an inward, spiraling motion. Then repeat on the other side. With a breast examination journal, you can keep track of month-to-month changes in your breasts.
Instructions
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1
Draw two circles on a piece of paper. These will represent your left and right breasts.
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2
Write an "L" below the circle on the left and an "R" below the circle on the right. This journal will be a mirror image of your breasts because you will do the examination yourself.
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3
Draw a "tic-tac-toe" board over each of the circles.
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4
Conduct your exam as usual, noting any tender spots and any lumps.
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5
Draw an "X" in the block in any area where it is tender. Color in any block where you feel a lump.
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6
Repeat the above steps with the other breast.
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7
Write the month and date of the breast exam on the paper.
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8
Repeat Step 1 through Step 4 the next month, noting any changes from last month to this month.
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9
Repeat every month and share any findings with your doctor.
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Tips & Warnings
The American Cancer Society recommends conducting breast self-exams each month after you have had your period.
This article is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with a medical provider.
