How can I examine my breasts?

****How can I examine my breasts?****

The process of examining one's breasts looking for problems in the breast tissue is known as Breast Self examination or Self Breast Examination.
Many women and some experts agree that doing this is important to the health of women as it is an easy, quick and convenient way of detecting changes in the breast. Usually the aim of breast self examination is to know how your breasts normally look or feel so you can detect changes early.

****When is the best time to do a Breast Self Examination****

The best time to do a Breast self examination is about a week after your period starts. Your breasts are not tender or lumpy at this time in your monthly cycle.
If you have gone through menopause already, do your examination on the same day of every month.

****How to go about it?****

• Begin by lying on your back. It is easier to examine all the breast tissue if you are lying down. Place your right hand behind your head and with the middle fingers of your left hand, gently yet firmly press down in small circular motions to examine the right breast.
• Next, sit or stand and feel your armpit because the breast tissue extends into that area.
• Gently squeeze the nipple, looking for any discharge.
• Repeat a similar process on the left breast.

• Next stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side and look at your breasts directly and in the mirror.
• Look for any changes in the contour or symmetry of the breasts, any swelling or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Do the same with your arms raised above your head

Note:

Many women's breasts feel lumpy. Breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture that varies from one woman to another. For some women, the lumpiness is more pronounced than for others.
In most cases, the lumpiness is no cause to worry about especially if the lumpiness can be felt throughout the breasts and feels like your other breast, it is likely just normal tissue.
Lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast tissue or bloody discharge from the nipples may be of concern. If you notice this, go to your doctor right away to have a clinical breast examination or other tests to be sure it is not cancer.
It will be important to mention at this point that breast self examination is gradually being frowned at because of the anxiety, unnecessary hospital visits and tests associated with it but it could still be applicable in a resource poor environment like ours where screening tests e.g Mammography are not readily available.