How YOU can do a Breast Self-Examination

So here it is girls (and boys), my version of the How to…   there are many guides on the web and may I suggest that you look at a few, choose one, try it and which ever way feels the most comfortable and logical to you then make it routine as part of your monthly check.

Is this a biased report?

Yes, probably but then any personal recommendation is – I am an Ambassador for Plexus Pink’s products so this is doubly biased. 
However, I’m passionate about Women taking care of themselves particularly with their breast health so perhaps you can forgive me for the bias, read on, make your own mind up and perhaps we can talk further?

How often? 

Give yourself a week after your period has finished.   This is when your breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen.  During your period your breast can change sizes and the hormonal changes can make them more lumpy.
If you no longer have periods, choose a memorable date and use that date as the day each month you give yourself a Breast Self examination.
Fancy a reminder – perhaps a nudge on a monthly basis?  Just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

Will my breasts feel the same as a friend or family member?

All breast are different (even it sometimes feels from one another on the same body!)  so as you are unique – so are your breasts.

Here’s what to do.   

(Paraphrased based on the notes from the Plexus Pink Directions booklet that comes with the Breast Chek Kit (USA spelling).

The first check is without a Breast Chek Kit

Equipment needed:  Your hand, a Mirror, Notebook & Pen.

Where:  Be in a comfortable setting, bedroom or bathroom – though not in the shower!

How to NO 1:  First standing: 

1. Place an arm over the back of your head – this gives an even distribution of breast tissue
2. With the opposite arm, place your hand on the breast
3. Fingers need to be flat (no poking yourself) it’s to be a pleasant sensation – some medics recommend the palm of the hand.  I think this is to ensure consist feel without poking.  However, we do have natural enhanced sensitivity in our finger tips and it’s good to use these – simply keep your fingers flat and together
4. Slide over every part of your breast and armpit.
5. Relax whilst maintaining a firm pressure.  Bend your wrist as it moves over your curves using a circular massaging movement with your fingers.  
   
6. Keep a constant pressure and contact with your skin. 
7. Check the area leading up to your armpit and your armpit – which is where lymph nodes are cited – make sure they are not swollen.
   
8. Relax and think as you feel – does this feel correct – go with your intuition.
9. Write down into a notebook, any thing you think should be noted.  It’s a good comparison for next month and/or when speaking with your Doctor it makes a great reference point.
10. Make a note to do it all again next month.
    

How much pressure?
Firm so that you can feel the breast tissue.  It might help to think of it as massaging. 
Experiment and use light, medium and firmer pressures as you examine.
Not hard so it hurts or makes movement over the area difficult. 
Gently sliding

What are you feeling for?
Feeling for lumps, hardness and anything you consider is not normal for you.  It may be when you ask a doctor or nurse they may say it’s nothing to worry about – in which case, you now have more knowledge about your body which can be put down as “normal for me”.  Some women have naturally “lumpiness” in their breasts.

Covering the whole of the breast
Think of it like a CSI investigation where they have to inspect every blade of grass?   So you want to know you’ve covered your whole breasts – in this two methods are suggested a circular method or a grid method.  For both your fingers make small circular movements, one goes across the breasts from the nipple and round in circles which get progressively larger as you cover the area (Circular Method) whilst the other goes up and down across the breast as though following a grid (Grid method).

How to No 2:   Lying on your back

This time place a pillow under the shoulder of the breast you wish to exam.  The pillow will help to spread the breast tissue over your chest wall.  Once again raise your arm and place under your head.  Repeat steps 1-10 as above.  Change the pillow over for the other side.

How to No 3:   Take a Visual -  Look in the Mirror

1. With your hands at our side, look at yourself. Don’t be critical you look fab.  
2. Notice your breasts – is the skin as you’d expect it to look. 
3. Forget the air-brushed Page 3 girls, but check for dimpling, puckering or redness.
4. Look at your nipple – has this changed shape or become inverted or is it sore?
5. Place your palms on your hips and press down so that your chest looks bigger and the muscles in your chest get to work.  As before, observe yourself and check for any changes.
6. Finally, gently squeeze the nipple between the thumb and index finger.  Check that there is no discharge.

Any concerns – make an appointment with your doctor – he/she should be supportive and it’ll help you to really understand how your breasts should feel.

How to No 4:  Repeat using the Breast Chek Kit

This is a Medical Device, which magnifies the fingers -  therefore the self-examinaton without the kit and then with the kit makes it possible to observe any differences.  Write down any differences and note what is “normal” for you and whether you need to be concerned or not.  All in all this products gives peace of mind, that you have done your best in conducting a breast self examination.  This is only one part of good breast health care – other gifts to yourself is regular clinical breast exams, thermal imaging treatment and mammograms as advised by your doctor.

Equipment needed:  Your hand, a Mirror, Notebook & Pen and a Breast Chek Kit  repeat How To No 1 & 2.

????    Still unsure – check out this video.

Video of Plexus Way to Self Examine

article written by Ladey Adey MBA  feel free to email me