3 Steps to a DIY Breast Check
Sep 30, 2020
Ladies, it’s time to get to know your boobies! As you get older there are many things you learn along the way and one of those is how to do a DIY breast check. It is more important that you check your breasts regularly following these three steps, so that you can notice changes from the normal look and feel of your breasts.
STEP 1: MIRROR CHECK
Inspect your breasts with arms by your side, behind your head and then hands on hips.
At each step, look for any dimpling of the skin or pulling in of the nipple, as well as any changes in the shape, size or colour of your breast (including your nipple).
STEP 2: LYING DOWN CHECK
Lying on your back helps flatten your breast tissue, making it easier to examine. Use the pads of your three middle fingers moving around the entire breast in a circular pattern. Cover the entire breast area from your breastbone to your armpit and from the bottom of your breast to your collarbone. Feel for any lumps or thickened areas.
STEP 3: SHOWER CHECK
Lather fingers with soap and use the same technique as the Lying Down Check to feel for any lumps or thickened areas.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to perform a breast self-exam. The key is to spend some time getting to know your breasts so that you can easily notice any changes over time. It doesn’t take long and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis are huge.
Dr. Mary Ling
Dr. Mary Ling is a Specialist Breast Surgeon based on the Central Coast in NSW. She is the author of The Breast Blog, which aims to educate and empower women of all ages to take charge of their breast health. Outside of the operating theatre, Mary enjoys long walks on the beach with her French Bulldog Hugo.
Read THE BREAST BLOG