Welcome back to Twins for Wellness, a platform dedicated to sharing stories of strength, resilience, and empowerment. In this blog post, we address a topic that is very important for detecting breast cancer early-a breast self-exam!
Catch Early Breast Cancer: Self Exams Every Month
In December of 2022, I discovered a lump in my breast by doing a self-exam. To catch breast cancer early it is a good idea to start doing breast self-exams monthly especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Here are the 5 steps that you or your spouse (I’m sure your spouse won’t mind helping you out with this one) can do to ensure you find a lump as soon as it starts. Early detection is the key to a more successful treatment outcome.
Step 1: Begin by looking in the mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or skin texture of your breasts. Look also for any visible lumps or swelling.
Step 2: Raise your arms above your head to check for the same changes while looking at your breasts in the mirror.
Step 3: Next feel your breasts while lying down. Use the pads of your fingers and move them in a circular motion, covering your entire breast area and underarms. You can follow a pattern such as starting from the outermost area and working your way towards the nipple.
Step 4: Repeat step 3 while standing or sitting. Some people find this step easier in the shower since wet skin allows for smoother movements.
Step 5: Finally gently squeeze your nipples to check for any unusual discharge.
My oncologist recommended to keep doing a self-exam every month after I finish all of my treatments. I plan on following his advice just in case my cancer ever comes back. I hope this post helps someone detect a tumor early so that they can get treated right away.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
