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Performing regular self-breast examinations is a crucial part of early breast cancer detection. By knowing how to check your breasts, you can detect any changes early and seek medical attention when needed. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a self-breast examination.
Preparation
Preparation
Remove your clothing from the waist up and ensure your breasts are exposed. Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room.
Start with a visual inspection of your breasts.
Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection
Look for these visual cues step-by-step
1
Changes in size, shape, or symmetry
2
Changes in skin texture
4
Skin lumping
3
Skin puckering and dimpling
5
Major asymmetrical changes in nipples
6
Abnormal nipple inversion
7
Abnormal rashes on the breast
8
Fluid discharge
Manual Inspection
Manual Inspection
Starting at the outer edge, use the pads of your three middle fingers to make small, circular motions on your breast, working your way towards the nipple using light pressure
Repeat the procedure with medium-pressure
Repeat with firm pressure application
9
Pay attention to any lumps or areas that feel different from the surrounding tissue
10
Look out for pain in the armpits
11
Gently squeeze the nipple and check for any discharge.
12
Note the color, consistency, and any blood in the discharge.
Raise your arms and repeat
Raise your arms and repeat
Observe any changes in the breasts when your arms are raised.
Lay down and repeat
Lay down and repeat
Lie down on your back with a pillow under one shoulder and examine that breast with the opposite hand
Repeat in the shower
Repeat in the shower
Use your fingers to apply soap or lotion, and glide your fingers smoothly over your skin
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