Thats why early detection is so important.
Know what your norm is, and [look for] something outside your norm."
Boolbol recommends the last day or the week of your period, when your breasts are less tender.
Illustrations byLeah Goren
Why is that important?
“You won’t feel if theres a skin dimpling, but you will see it.
There are certain things that you will be able to visualize but not feel.”
Inverted nipples are not abnormal.
Nipple location:“Is there a change in the location of the nipple?
Does it seem like it’s being pulled to the side, for instance?”
Breast size:“Has one breast gotten larger than the other breast?”
Skin:“Is there a very scaley portion?
Is there a change to the skin of the nipple?
Is there a change in the skin color of the breast?
Does it appear very red?”
“The different arm positions can make changes in the breasts more obvious,” Boolbol says.
After completing the visual exam, start your physical exam.
“The important thing is to be consistent,” Boolbol says.
If you’re most comfortable standing in front of a mirror…then do it that way every month.
But whatever way youre doing it should be your norm."
Feel gently with your fingertips.
“The key is you dont have to press down firmly.
Its a light touch.
This should not be a painful experience.”
Cover the entire breast.
Again, if you find anything out of the norm or different from previous months, visit your doctor.
“We want to keep this simple,” Boolbol says.
“It’s a visual inspection of the breast and then the exam.
Whether you want to do the exam standing or sitting, it does not matter.
The point is do it the same way every month.”
It’s important to note that self examsarenotsubstitutes for clinical screenings.
Mammograms are another important step in detection.
“They are not detected by self breast exams.
That said, self exams can still be a valuable tool in detection.
They can just be something else going on with the breast… A doctor can help you determine what’s going on if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Next month, it’s back to step one to repeat the process.
Additional reporting byPaige Stables.
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