September 3, 2014

Monthly Reminder: Self Breast Check

Hey everyone,

I'm sorry I didn't put up the monthly reminder for the self breast check last month. I got carried away with the Proverbs Blog-Along, which I still haven't finished *tsk tsk*. Anyway, this time, I've decided to use info from Dr. Olamide Craig's post on Bella Naija (read the full article here).

He writes about the Look (3 times), Feel, Squeeze, Feel technique in checking your breasts a few days after your period. He also mentions that you should get a feel for what your own breasts are like, so that any abnormalities will be caught quicker.


1. Look (Hands by the side)
Stand before a large mirror that allows you to see both breasts at the same time and put your hands relaxed at your side. Look thoroughly at each breast together and then one after the other. Look out for size, shape and contour. Look at the skin around the breast and notice any changes in colour or texture. Look at the nipples and areole and notice any changes in shape, colour or position.
2. Look (Hands on hips)
Still in front of your mirror, put both hands on your hips and press down firmly and squeeze your chest muscle. This helps to accentuate any deep changes in the breast. Again, look thoroughly at each breast together and then one after the other. Look out for size, shape and contour. Look at the skin and notice any changes in colour or texture. Look at the nipples and areole and notice any changes in shape, colour or position.
3. Look (Both Hands over head)
Still in front of your mirror, raise both hands over your head and as you do so, look at both breasts. Note the size, shape, and drape. Keep your hands above your head. Look up towards your armpits and note if there are any swellings. Lean forward lightly. Look thoroughly at both breasts, do they move in the same way?
4. Feel (One Arm over head)
Stand in front of the mirror with your left arm only slightly raised (wrist in front of your forehead, but not blocking your view). Use the first three fingers of your right hand to apply gentle pressure to the left breast. Move systematically from top to bottom in overlapping straight lines working your way from the cleavage area to the armpit area. Take note of any changes in texture, consistency, or size. Switch sides and repeat, checking the right breast in the same way.
This is best done after a shower whilst the skin is wet or after you apply your moisturiser as there is less friction.
5. Squeeze (Nipples)
Lower your arms and with your thumb and index finger of your right hand, gently squeeze the left nipple from the base out and pull it forward. Does the nipple spring back into place? Look out for any discharge. Switch sides and repeat, checking the right nipple in the same way.
6. Feel (Lying down)
Lie on your bed with a pillow under your head and shoulders. Place your left hand under your head and use the first three fingers of your right hand to feel your breast as you did in step 4. Take note of any changes in texture, consistency, or size. Switch sides and repeat, checking the right breast in the same way.
Examine your breasts at the same time after every period and if you notice anything suspicious, please see a physician.
Dr. Craig can be found on Twitter at @RevDrCraig so be sure to look him up and ask any questions you have. I looked for a website or blog addy but he doesn't seem to have one.

P.S. The article was originally posted on Bella Naija, and the pictures don't belong to me (obviously not - you guys have seen the way I draw :p)

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2 comments:

  1. I never do this for no reason.. I always see my frnd do it :( Thnks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete

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