Breast Awareness & Self Exam

Breast problems are the most common health concern among women and can affect women at any age. 

In women, the development of breasts usually begins around puberty and they may undergo various changes throughout the life cycle, especially during menstrual periods, pregnancy, lactation and advancing age. 

Other than the normal physiological changes, the breast may also undergo a few other changes that may be a cause of anxiety among women.

Why Be Breast Aware?

It has been proven that breast examinations are essential for the early detection of breast cancer and are also useful for breast cancer prevention. 

Women over 40 years of age are predisposed to breast cancer. Increased breast awareness is a very effective tool for the early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

Why Do Breast Self-Exams? 

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Breast Breasts may swell and become tender at different stages of your menstrual cycle, so plan the breast self-examination at a convenient time every month to avoid discomfort.

Visual Inspection

Remove all clothes, then stand squarely in front of a mirror. Look for any changes in your breasts, such as swelling, redness, dimpling, puckering, pitting and nipple inversion. 

Perform your visual inspection three times as follows: with your arms relaxed at your sides, with your arms raised over your head and with your hands placed firmly on your hips (so that your chest muscles are flexed).

Manual Inspection

While standing manually examine your left and right breast for lumps, knots, thickened areas and other unusual changes. Using your fingers, press on every part of your breast and underarm area. 

Ensure that you don’t miss any areas using a circular motion and increase pressure firmness. Also, squeeze the nipple and watch for any discharge.

Lying Inspection

In a prone or lying position with a pillow under your left shoulder and put your left hand behind your head and manually inspect for left breast as above with your right hand. Perform the same for your right breast

While most lumps or other abnormalities are not cancerous, they should be brought to the attention of your GP or Specialist.

Clinical Breast Examination

A Clinical Breast Examination is performed by a doctor such as your GP or Breast Specialist to identify any unusual changes in the breast or the presence of any lumps. 

It involves a careful physical examination of the breast that helps in detecting any abnormality and devising an appropriate treatment plan.