Self Breast Examination: A Complete Guide On How to Do It

Have you heard about breast examination but never performed it? Well, it’s time to get to know your breasts friends better! Whether you are in your late teens or in your 20’s or 30’s, it’s important to keep a track of your breast changes. Why do you ask? Simply to stay steer clear of any lumps or bumps that might prove to be threatening in future. Hence, conducting a self-breast examination can easily keep you ahead of your health.

In this article, let us guide you through the self-breast examination procedure. But before that let’s understand what breast examination actually is and why it is important to conduct an at-home breast exam.

• What Is A Breast Self-Examination?
• Why You Should Do The Self Breast Examination Procedure?
• When to do a breast self-examination?
• How To Do Self Breast Examination?
• What Are The Breast Changes To Look Out For?

Breast self-examination is a method used for checking your breasts. By doing so, women can regularly keep a track of any abnormal changes that might occur in their breasts. These include cysts, tumours and other abnormalities in the breasts.

A regular self-breast exam can help you get familiarised with the size, shape and texture of your breasts. As you grow older, the hormones in your body change and breast development during puberty takes place. Through self breast exam you are able to detect changes in your breasts. These include breast lumps, bumps or spots that may be associated with breast cancer. And the thing about cancer is that the earlier it gets detected, the chances are higher to curb it. By conducting breast examination and checking breasts for lumps, you will be able to visit the doctor and get the required treatment started quickly.

Note that even though self-breast examinations are crucial for your health, you shouldn’t substitute them for screening tests done by doctors. Rather, you must visit your doctor for monthly check-ups.

Ideally, every woman should do breast self-examination once every month. If you are on your periods, you should do it once it's over. The reason behind this is that the benign lesions after menstruation are smaller and less tender and differentiating them from the malignant mass becomes easier. For women with irregular periods, you can choose any day in the month. Make sure to choose one date and do the self-breast examination procedure consistently on the same date every month.

Here are the breast self-examination steps that would guide you on how to check your breasts for lumps:

• Step 1: Remove your upper half clothes and stand in front of the mirror. Place your hands down and notice your breasts. Check if you see a change in the size of the breasts, colour of the areola or an inverted nipple, a rash on the skin or a dimpled area. If yes, make a note of it. Now, raise your hands and look for the same changes. Next, place your hands on your hips, bring your chest out, flex it and look for the changes.

• Step 2: It’s time to use your fingers. Use the left hand to examine the right breasts and the other way round. Using the pads of your three middle fingers, gently press on every part of your breast. Look for lumps or bumps as you examine your breast. Go in circular motions as it will help you detect better. Also, gently squeeze your nipples to check for any kind of discharge.

• Step 3: Now lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder and head. Start examining your breasts in a circular clockwise motion. Start with the area outside the areola and then move towards the nipples. Keep examining your breast tissue and don’t forget the area around your armpit. Do that same for the other side.

If you notice any of the following changes, you must contact your doctor immediately:

1. The appearance of a rash, redness, puckering or dimpling
2. A difference in the size or shape of the breast
3. A discharge expelling from either of the nipples
4. Breast pain felt in either of the breasts

Conducting a breast exam and checking breasts for lumps is the best way to care for your breast health. With a monthly breast examination, you are able to get familiar with your body. This will enable you to know what’s normal and what’s not. However, if you notice any changes in your breasts, make sure to take professional advice.

While you take care of your breasts, don't let your intimate hygiene needs take a back seat. Use the best sanitary pads like the ALWAYS Cotton Soft Pads which has a comfortable top sheet and an innovative soft design. It offers comfort and protection. Further, its unique flexi wings keeps the pad in place and allows you worry free movement. For tampon users, the ALWAYS Tampax Cardboard Tampons has got you covered! Its innovative absorbent core soaks up the menstrual discharge with ease and its protective skirt further minimises the risk of leakage. Additionally, its anti-slip grip provides a stress-free, easy insertion.

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