Techniques for Visual Male Breast Exams

Video Transcript

"It is important to know that men get breast cancer too. The early detection of male breast cancer is important because most men don't associate their symptoms to breast cancer disease. And therefore let breast cancer grow or spread to other parts of the body leading to more difficult treatment options and higher mortality rates. A way that a man can be proactive about his breast health is by performing monthly breast self-examinations. In order to prepare for an examination, a man first does a visual inspection of the changes of his breasts. It is important to get to know the look and feel of your breasts so that you know how you breasts look normally. So if there are any changes in breast tissue, you can detect those changes earlier rather than later. To begin your visual self-examination, a man should stand head on and look in the mirror. What you're looking for is the symmetry of your breasts, any changes in shape or color and areas of skin dimpling or puckering and any rashes. Then slowly while examining your breasts in the mirror, raise your hands over your head, watching again for any skin dimpling or puckering and the symmetry of your breast tissue. After that examination, bring your hands down to your hips and bend forward, looking in the mirror. Again, you're noticing if the skin puckers or dimples in any way or you're also looking for changes in shape or color of your breast tissue. If you detect any changes in your breast tissue, it is important to inform your physician immediately and get checked for breast cancer. The male incidents rates of breast cancer has steadily been on the rise since 1975. Therefore it is important for men today to check themselves on a monthly basis. Men do get breast cancer and early detection is your best protection."