How to check your breasts

We are encouraged from an early age now to check our breasts regularly for any changes or abnormalities, but did you know that 47% of women do not check their breasts at all, the reason given by most of these women is that they do not now how to do it properly.

Checking your breasts is absolutely essential for finding breast cancer in its early stages, below is a guide that can help you to examine your breasts.

You should always check your breasts at the same time each month, menstruation can cause a lot of swelling and differences in the breast. There are a number of ducts and glands that can swell, so it is important that you check the same time every month so you get a feel for what is normal.

Stand topless in front of the mirror and look at your breasts, look for any changes in shape, any differences in the skin such as dimpling or puckering.

Look at the nipple area, gently squeeze your nipple to see if any fluid comes out, if it does, see your doctor.

Lie on your bed with your head on a pillow, put your left hand behind your head and feel your left breast with the palm of your right hand.

Move your hand in small circles over your breast, feel for anything unusual, any distinct lumps or changes in density. Always check the nipple area aswell.

Now press down gently, remove your hand and then replace it again, make sure you cover the entire breast area.

Don’t forget to check your armpits aswell, the lymph nodes in the armpit are connected to the breasts.

Repeat this process with your right breast using your left hand.

Repeat this process with the left breast, but now use the 3 pads of the 3 middle fingers on your right hand, move in small circles not forgetting the nipple area.

Please note that if you do find anything that you think is irregular, check the other breast aswell, if it feels the same then it may be the shape of your breasts.

But if you find anything unusual that you are in any way worried about, consult your Doctor as soon as you can.