October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of routine breast self-checks that can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
The main reason self-exams are encouraged is to help you understand what’s normal for your body, as every person’s breasts are different. This way, you can quickly spot any sudden changes and bring them to the attention of your doctor.
The Signs
When performing a self-check, watch for the following signs. Remember, you know your body best—if anything looks or feels unusual or causes concern, it's important to seek medical advice.
Self Exam
Before you start, please note that breast pain is quite common and can have various causes, including bad sports bras, excessive exercise, and hormone changes or imbalances. Your menstrual cycle can also influence breast appearance. This is most common 1-2 weeks before your period. Therefore, the best time to do this check might be a few days after your period has ended, before your fertile week. We recommend tracking your cycles to avoid misinterpreting sore, lumpy breasts caused by hormone fluctuations.
Watch Breast Cancer UK's how to check video or keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions on how to perform an at home self breast exam.
Step 1: Look
Get in front of a mirror whether in your bedroom or the bathroom, in whichever position is most comfortable for you, and observe your chest, your collarbone and your armpit area. Turn slowly, getting a look from different angles. This is to establish the usual shapes and sizes of your body. Pay special attention to the skin texture, any signs of swelling in your breasts, armpits or collarbone, and a sudden change in the size, shape or outline of your breasts.
Step 2: Feel
Time to get hands-on! Gently feel across, above and under your breasts, your armpits and collarbone area. Pay attention to any lumps or thickening, as well as any constant pain.
Step 3: Nip check
Observing mode again, this time concentrating on your nipples. Here, you should be looking out for discharge, inversions or changes in direction, rushes and crusting that doesn’t heal easily.
Final words
Never skip your monthly self-check. Get a text reminder from Breast Cancer UK. Early detection can save lives, so please share this guide with other women in your life!