There’s no special way to examine – just your way
I HAVE had patients who admitted to me that they would rather not feel their own breasts because they find it embarrassing. Others say they are unsure about what they’re supposed to be doing, so don’t. But my advice is quite simple: don’t be afraid because there is no right or wrong way.
In fact, that’s why a few years ago doctors stopped telling women to examine their breasts for lumps – that’s a doctor’s job. Your job is just to know your breasts so it is easy to see if something has changed.
Feeling your breasts to get to know them just involves an awareness rather than examining yourself. This is vital as it gives women the confidence to notice something wrong or different that may be a sign of breast cancer.
You don’t need to feel for a lump specifically or know what you are supposed to be feeling for. You just need to know what’s normal for you, and then if anything is untoward you will detect it.
There is no special way to examine, just your way. You can get into the habit of doing this as you’re changing, showering or applying cream.
Choose your own routine – doing it every evening when you take your bra off may be a bit too often. But fixing a regular, set time is a good idea.
Thickening, lumps, changes in size or shape will all become apparent if you get to know your breasts in this way – without you really needing to know what you are looking for.
And don’t forget to look – you can see changes too.
So if you are reluctant to feel your own breasts, perhaps start with just looking – you will notice changes in the skin, your breast symmetry, size, and shape. And don’t forget the nipples.