Breast Self-Examination Instructions

One out of eight women will develop breast cancer at some time during their life. However, more than 90 percent of breast cancer patients survive when treated early.

Females should begin breast self-examination by age 20. A monthly exam at the same time each month will help you learn to notice unusual changes. This should be done about a week after the beginning of your period. Women should continue to perform breast self-examinations throughout their lives, even during pregnancy and after menopause.

Call your doctor if you discover symptoms such as lumps or any change in the shape or contour of your breast or armpit; a thickening in your breast; a discharge from gently squeezing your nipple; an inverted nipple and/or dimpling, scaling or puckering of the skin of your breast.

Do not know how to perform a Breast Self-Examination? Follow these instructions:

  • Standing in front of a mirror, with a good light by your side, examine your breasts with your arms relaxed at your sides; with arms raised; with hands clasped in front of the forehead, palms squeezed together, to tighten chest pectoral muscles; and with palms flat on the sides of your hips, pressing downward. Face the mirror directly then, turn from side-to-side.
  • While you are in the shower or bath, or simply applying lotion, your fingers will glide over wet skin with ease. Raise your right arm and press the flat part of three or four fingers of your left hand in small circles, moving slowly around your right breast, or moving fingers up and down in strips. Do not lift your fingers from your breasts during your examination.
  • Examine your breasts, starting at the outer edge and working toward the nipple. Cover the entire breast, including the underarm area and up to the collarbone. Then, raise your left arm and examine your left breast with your right hand.
  • Lying in bed, place a towel or pillow under one shoulder to elevate and flatten your breast. Examine each breast using the opposite hand, first with your arm under your head and again with your arm at your side. Make small circular motions with flat pads (not tips) of fingers.
  • Feel for anything unusual, moving in circles from the outside to the nipple. Be sure to include the armpit area. Use varying degrees of pressure from light to deep, to examine the thickness of your breast tissue.

Remember, the staff at Northwest Radiology Network would be happy to hep if you have questions about breast self-examinations or would like to schedule a mammogram!

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