Breast Awareness

Screening begins with you!

The person that is the best guardian of your health is you, so that’s why it makes sense for you to be the first step in screening. Being familiar with what is normal for you is all you need to do when examining yourself—this includes appearance and feel. Make sure you’ve seen “What to Feel For” and “What to Look For” under “Signs” in addition to reading this page.

When?
Always investigate a couple days after your period ends. This time is likely when the swollen or tender areas of the breast have ended. Compare your “exams” to this similar time of the month. Otherwise, the exam won’t be very consistent. If you no longer have a period, you can just pick a day of the month and use that as a guide.

Sit Down and Feel Around
Think of your breasts as being built-up in three layers, so feel with light > medium > deep pressure to explore each layer. You can move in a circular, up-and-down or outward-to-inward direction, whichever you prefer. It also helps to feel in different positions: laying down with one arm behind your head, sitting up and arching forward or standing up in the shower. Each way changes the landscape a little to help you investigate from a different angle. Keep in mind a cancerous lump is often hard and immovable like a lemon seed.

Stand Up and Look Around
To do a visual investigation, stand in front of a mirror, arms up and arms down. Then look for any of the dozen signs of breast cancer. Don’t think of this as a hunt to find a lump of cancer. A tiny cancerous lump is really not easy to feel, even if you have small breasts. Most lumps found by touch are about the size of an avocado pit, and are found accidentally.

How often?
Some people suggest to investigate yourself every month. This may be too often though, as some studies have shown that people who feel their breasts too often may gradually get used to a new change and not be able to detect it as easily. So perhaps once a season is enough for you. Talk with your doctor and make a plan.

And lastly, don’t worry if you are doing it right or wrong! There are lots of ways to investigate and you are just one part of that. Hey speaking of, let’s move on to “Investigating with your Doctor.”