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SELF EXAMINATION

step by step guide on how to check your breasts for breast cancer

EARLY DETECTION

MIRROR
IS YOUR FRIEND!

SAVES LIVES

Get to know
your boobs!

A lot of ladies are hesitant to perform a breast check as they say:

 

“I don’t know what I’m looking for!”

 

Quite simply; if you don’t check them regularly you will not know what is normal for YOU!

If you get to know your breasts you WILL notice when there is a change! Don’t be afraid to check, as early detection is key to survival! ​

statue figure checking breast for signs of cancer

How To Perform The Check

 

While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Perform a breast check 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 in the shower.

Use your right hand to feel for your left breast check and then your left hand to feel for your right breast check. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first three finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a 50p coin.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your tummy, 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. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you’ve reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Next, use a moisturiser or body oil to perform a breast check whilst lying down. Repeat the above process.

What To Look For

 

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 evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

  • Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and colour

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

If you see any of the above changes, please bring them to your doctor’s attention!

woman in a field of flowers holding two sunflowers up to her chest

KNOW YOUR
BODY...
LOVE YOUR
BODY!

girl wearing boxing gloves punching the air
woman in a towel looking at her reflection in the mirror

BOOB CHECK DANCE

Remembering to check your breasts every month is one thing, but how to correctly perform a check is another!

To help with this, we've come up with a short dance for you to learn which incorporates the moves you need to perform in a thorough examination! 

Take a look at the video to learn the 'Boob Check Dance'.

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