How is self breast examination done?
How is self breast examination done?
While standing in a shower, place one arm over your head and lightly soap your breast on that side. Then, using the flat surface of your fingers—not the fingertips—gently move your hand over your breast, feeling carefully for any lumps or thickened areas. It takes practice to perform a breast self-exam.
What is a self breast exam called?
Overview. A breast self-exam for breast awareness is an inspection of your breasts that you do on your own. To help increase your breast awareness, you use your eyes and hands to determine if there are any changes to the look and feel of your breasts. If you notice new breast changes, discuss these with your doctor.
How many steps are in a breast self-exam?
How to do a breast self-exam: The five steps.
Who should self breast exam?
Women should begin practicing breast self-examination by age 20 and continue the practice throughout their lives – even during pregnancy and after menopause. Become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel so that you may notice any change from what is normal for you.
How do you examine your breasts for lumps?
Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone. With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern, moving from bra line to collarbone.
When should you do a self breast exam?
The best time to do a monthly self-breast exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts. Do it at the same time every month. Your breasts are not as tender or lumpy at this time in your monthly cycle. If you have gone through menopause, do your exam on the same day every month.
What percentage of breast cancers are detected by breast self exam?
Women often detected breast cancers themselves, either by self-examination (25%) or by accident (18%). Conclusions: Despite increased use of screening mammography, a large percentage of breast cancers are detected by the patients themselves. Patient-noted breast abnormalities should be carefully evaluated.
What are the steps of breast self examination?
In the Shower With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers,check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light,medium,and firm pressure.
How to do a self breast exam handout?
Self Breast Exam. Place your right hand behind your head—this distributes breast tissue more evenly on the chest. With your left hand, fingers flat, press gently in small circular motions around an imaginary clock face.Begin at outermost top of your right breast for 12 o’clock, then move to 1 o’clock, and so on around the circle back to 12.
Why self-breast exams are important?
Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find a breast cancer early , when it’s more likely to be treated successfully.
How should I check my breasts?
Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes. While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or
