Self Breast Exam Technique

Breast self examination is vitally important and yet so few of us are doing it!!

Some women are uncomfortable with their breasts, however, if you start following the breast massage tips you are more likely to start doing your own self breast examinations.

And vice-versa!

The best time to do an examination is in the week after your period every month.

Why do it at the same time every month? Our breasts change during the month due to fluid retention, weight loss and weight gain.

If you have not been doing this regularly you need to get familiar with the normal lumps and bumps that make up your breasts.

A few years ago, I wasn’t doing self breast examinations, I was in the shower and got myself in a panic because there was a lump where I was sure there had never been a lump before.

I rushed off to the doctor, she sent me for a mammogram and I barely ate or slept for 48 hours because I had worked myself into such a state. It turned out to be absolutely nothing at all and from that moment I have been doing regular examinations!

By the way, that lump, it’s still there and just a part of my breast!! Which made me feel a bit silly because if I had of been doing examinations in the first place I wouldn’t have gotten myself (and my family) so worried!!

Having said that…..if you are at all concerned…..see a doctor!!!!

There is no hard and fast rule for how to do a breast examination, some women prefer being in the shower, some standing in front of the mirror and some lying on the bed.

Choose a position that is comfortable for you and where you won’t get interrupted by your partner, kids or pets!!

How to.....

1. Before getting in the shower or laying on the bed, stand in front of the mirror and do a big yawn stretch. Arms above your head. You are looking for any changes such as a nipple that has suddenly inverted, nipple discharge, breast dimples or eczema.

2. Now put your hands on your hips and push your shoulders back…see any changes? Now push your shoulders forward, this is a good position to show any dimples.

3. Time to get into position, if you are in the shower make sure that the breast is covered in soap to make it slippery.

4. Choose the first breast that you will exam and put the hand from that side behind your head. This is important because it lets you get and the breast tissue that is under your arm.

5. Using the nipple as the point of focus pretend that there are imaginary lines radiating out from the nipple. These imaginary lines should go all the way up to the collarbone and down to your bra line.

6. Using the flat of your fingertips feel along each line for any lumps or bumps.

If this is the first time that you are doing this, you may give yourself the same heart attack that I did and find a lump that you would like to have checked out. I believe in “Better safe than sorry”…so get yourself to a doctor.