Photo Credit: http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com

How Well Do you Know your Breast?

2019-05-08T08:44:08+00:00

By Virtue Digest

Ladies, let’s talk about this very important part of our body and of course, our sexuality: our breasts. Do you really know your breasts? Do you know their size, their feel and even how they look?The high incidence of breast cancer in women, especially in this age has become a serious cause for concern, more so because most women are not informed and lack awareness about simple steps they can take on their own to nip this deadly disease in the bud way before it starts wrecking its havoc.Clinicians, in a bid to halt this trend, as well as expedite early detection of breast cancer in women, came up with a simple procedure called BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION. It is advisable to do it at least once a month preferably after your monthly cycle due to hormonal changes associated with menstruation.

Steps in Breast Self-Examination

1) In The Shower

Photo Credit: http://www.breastcancer.org

Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

2) In Front Of A Mirror

Photo Credit: http://www.breastcancer.org

Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.

3) Lying Down

Photo Credit: http://www.breastcancer.org

When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.Use light, medium, and firm pressure.So ladies, get checking and get better acquainted with your breasts or better still, let your spouse help out. There have been cases of men who were the first to detect lumps in their wives’ breasts and encouraged them to seek confirmation at the hospital.Getting him involved makes the process more fun and undoubtedly increasesintimacy. Don’t lose your breasts to disease; know your breasts!