Breast Health
With breast cancer affected 1 in 7 women in their lifetime, caring for your breasts with regular breast self-exams and routine screening play vital roles in early detection of any potential issues. Being aware of changes in breast tissue, such as lumps, changes in size or shape, or nipple discharge, and promptly reporting these to your healthcare provider is essential. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can also contribute positively to breast health. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can empower themselves to take charge of their breast health and ensure early detection and effective management of any concerns that may arise.
How To Check Your Breasts
Performing a breast self-examination (BSE) is a straightforward yet important method for women to monitor their breast health. Knowing what is normal for you will help you detect any changes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose a time: Perform the examination every month at the same time of your menstrual cycle. You can be lying down or standing.
Look in the mirror: Look for any changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breasts. Check for puckering, dimpling, or changes in skin texture.
Raise your arms: Raise your arms above your head and observe your breasts' appearance in this position.
Inspect your nipples: Look for any discharge or changes in the nipples.
Use the pads of your fingers: Use the pads (not the tips) of your three middle fingers to feel for lumps or thickening in your breast.
Use a circular motion: Use a circular motion to feel the entire breast and armpit area. Cover the breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Don’t forget to feel underneath your nipple.
Check both breasts including up towards your armpit and behind your nipple.
Lie down: Finally, feel your breasts while lying down.
Sometimes breast lumps are very obvious and they feel like a firm pea while other times they feel like a thickened area of tissue. If you find something that is new or is different, you should talk to your doctor about it. Remember, most breast changes are benign.
