About one in eight women in the United States develops breast cancer during their lifetime. The good news is that early detection and treatment can save lives, dramatically improving the chance of beating cancer.
See our holistic obstetrics and gynecology specialists at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Spring Valley, New York, to schedule routine women’s health exams (including clinical breast exams) and complete breast self-exams at home between visits.
Do the following steps (it takes just a few minutes) to complete breast self-exams between OB/GYN visits at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery:
To begin a breast self-exam, remove your shirt and bra and stand in front of a mirror. Place your arms down by your sides and look for changes in the shape and overall appearance of your breasts. Screen for dimpling, puckering, swelling, or changes in the position of your nipples.
Raise your arms over your head and continue to look for abnormalities or changes in breast tissue. Finally, place your hands on your hips, press down firmly to flex your chest muscles, and look for changes in the tissues of both breasts.
During step two, stay standing and manually examine your breasts. You might do this while in the shower for added convenience.
Use your right hand to examine your left breast and your left hand to examine your right breast. Use the pads of your three middle fingers to press on all parts of each breast. Press down using light, medium, and firm pressure. Feel for thick spots, lumps, and other changes using a circular pattern to ensure you feel every part of each breast.
Don’t forget to examine tissues near your armpits and check under each areola. Finally, squeeze your nipples to screen for discharge.
You can also complete a manual breast exam while lying down in place of or in addition to standing manual breast self-exams. This position maximizes your ability to feel abnormal breast changes.
To complete this breast self-exam, lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right arm behind your head and use the pads of the middle fingers on your left hand to press on all areas of your right breast tissue, including near your armpit, under the areola, and your nipple (squeeze to check for discharge). Complete the process on your left breast, too.
It’s helpful to do breast self-exams monthly. Because hormone levels often fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, causing changes in breast tissue, the best time to complete breast self-exams is the week after your period ends.
If you’re not menstruating, examine your breasts during the same time each month. Choose a day of the month that’s easiest to remember, such as the first day of each month.
Contact your OB/GYN provider if you notice the following changes in breast tissue during a breast self-exam:
Based on your breast self-exam results, your OB/GYN provider determines if you need an in-office (clinical) breast exam, mammogram, or ultrasound for further breast cancer screening.
Ready to schedule an annual women’s health exam, including breast and pelvic exams?
Schedule an appointment with our Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery specialists today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
