Self-Check Exam

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IN THE SHOWER

  • Place one hand behind your head as in the figure
  • Choose one of the three patterns below:

Breast Self Exam Patterns

Breast Exam Finger Pressure

 

FINGER PRESSURE

With finger pads of the three middle fingers of the left hand, apply 3 levels of pressure (light, medium, then firm) in overlapping, dime-sized, circular motions to feel entire breast tissue, including underarm. Check for lumps or thickening. Repeat exam on left breast, using finger pads of right hand.

 

LYING DOWN

  • Place a pillow or a towel under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
  • Using your left hand, follow the same technique as in the shower. Then lower right arm slightly and with the left hand, check the underarm.
  • Repeat on the other side, using your right hand to check left breast and underarm.
  • Check for lumps, knots, or thickening.

BEFORE A MIRROR

  • Inspect both breasts for anything unusual, such as any discharge from the nipple, puckering, dimpling, or scaling of the skin.

The next 2 steps are designed to emphasize any change in the shape or contour of your breasts. You should be able to feel your chest muscles tighten while doing these steps.

  • Watch closely in the mirror, clasp hands behind your head and press hands forward.
  • Next, press hands firmly on hips and bow slightly toward your mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward.

COMPARABLE-SIZE LUMPS FOUND BY MAMMOGRAPHY AND BREAST SELF-EXAM

Average Size Breast LumpINFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

If you have a grandmother, mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this does put you in a higher risk group.  Baseline mammography should be considered to begin ten years before the age of a breast cancer diagnosis in immediate (mother, daughter, sister).  Significance of family history should be discussed with physician.  See your physician at any sign of unusual symptoms.

Taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam a minimum of once a month can make a lifetime of difference. Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through self-exams and with early detection the 5-year survival rate is 99%. If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but do not panic – 8 out of 10 lumps are non-cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.

THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER IS TO HAVE A PLAN THAT HELPS YOU DETECT THE DISEASE IN ITS EARLY STAGES

AN EARLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE:

Beginning at age 20: Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.

Age 20 to 39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.

By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.

Ages 40 and older: Having a mammogram every year.

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