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Self Breast Exam

Women's Breast Self-Exam Procedure

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

• breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color

• breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

• dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin

• a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple

• redness, soreness, rash or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side, from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. Be sure to feel all the breast tissue: just beneath your skin with a soft touch and down deeper with a firmer touch. Begin examining each area with a very soft touch, and then increase pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue, down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Men's Self Breast Exam Procedure

Step 1:Make yourself soapy.

Step 2:Place your left arm above and behind your head. With the three middle fingers of your right hand, press your breast against your chest wall.

Step 3:In a circular motion feel small portions of your left breast, going around until you have covered the entire breast and underarm. Make sure you do it slowly.

Step 4:Repeat again with your opposite arm.

This is only one of many methods to help you detect any changes or lumps in your breasts or underarms. If you have suspicions, make an appointment with your physician immediately!

For more information, please visit: https://malebreastcancer.org/