Self Breast Exams Made Simple

Performing a self breast exam is a simple task. Diseases of the breast are fairly common and can be life threatening. A self breast examination is an important preventive screening method for symptoms of cancer. You should perform these exams regularly. All women need to be familiar with the feeling of their normal breast tissue. Women should review their technique with their health care professional to confirm they are doing it accurately.

Before you begin the physical part of your breast examination, stand in front of a mirror. Look closely at each breast. Familiarize yourself with the normal curves and indentions that you may later mistake as newly developed flaws.

A breast exam needs to be performed while you are lying down. This technique spreads the breast tissue more evenly, making it much easier to feel a lump. Remove your shirt and bra before you begin. Your breasts need to be examined without any interference. Lie down and position your right arm behind your head.

You will use your three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast. Do not use your whole finger or your palm, only use the finger pads. Perform the exam in a small circular motion around the breast.

Begin by lightly pressing the outer layer of tissue using the circular motion. Continue with a slightly firmer pressure and then move on to a deeper pressing level. This allows you to feel all of the breast tissue accurately. Perform each pressure level thoroughly.

Starting from your side, move around your breast in an up and down motion. Perform this maneuver down to the ribs and up to the shoulder bone. Continue this movement all the way over to the middle of your chest. This vertical pattern helps prevent you from missing any breast tissue that is not easily accessed.

Repeat the self exam procedure on your left breast. Place your left arm behind your head while lying down. Remember to use the finger pads on your three middle fingers. Feel the breast using the circular motion, the pressure levels, and the vertical pattern on the left breast.

After you have performed the exam on both breasts, check the area around your underarms. Sit on the edge of the bed and raise your arm slightly. Do not raise your arm too high and tighten the tissue. This step helps cover any areas you may have missed.

Self breast exams are very important for women to perform on a regular basis. Self exams help women distinguish any abnormal changes in the breast tissue. Familiarize yourself with your breasts. This will help you in distinguishing between a normal and an abnormal lump.