Self Checks
Self-checks and self-exams are extremely important when talking about prevention. For the male or female body, the main self-exam technique is called a self-breast exam. This technique is used to feel for skin changes, discharge or fluid coming out of the nipples, and lumps that may develop in your breasts. Changes in these areas can suggest a problem is occurring and will require a visit to the doctor.
Breast cancer can be found in males and females. Cancer is important to look for no matter the gender.
How do you do it?
Breast exams are used to check for issues and even possible breast cancer. It is important to perform breast exams regularly so you can get familiar with how they normally feel like. This makes it easier to notice when there is a change or lump that isn’t normally there. When you are performing a self-exam, it can be done when in the shower, looking in the mirror, or laying down. However, depending on your position, the method changes slightly. These of course can be looked up on YouTube if you are a visual learner.
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Standing or in the Shower: It helps if the fingers can easily slide on the breast, so the friction won’t irritate sensitive skin, and so it is easier to feel underneath the skin. When standing you can apply lotion, when in the shower soapy water works well.
Shower Method: Lift the left arm to examine the left breast. Then make circular movements while pressing firmly with three fingers, using the fingertips. Move around the nipple, breast, armpit, and even the collar bone to feel for lumps. Lower the arm and repeat the process on the right breast.
Mirror Method: This method is less feeling the breast and is more specifically to visually examine. To begin, make sure the entirety of both breasts can be seen in the mirror. With both arms at your sides, inspect the breasts for any changes such as color, shape, size, abnormal shadowing/contouring, and changes in the nipples. Next, raise both arms and check for skin changes, dimpling on the breast, or puckering of areas. After that, place both hands on the hips and push your hands into the hips. Firmly flexing these muscles in the chest helps for visual inspection. Look at the breasts while pressing on the hips and look for dimpling or puckering on areas of the breasts. Lastly, inspect the nipples for any discharge, flakey skin, soreness, or redness. This can be done by pinching the nipple lightly and feeling for abnormal traits.
Laying Down Method: When laying down, place a pillow underneath the right shoulder, and place your right hand behind your head. Use three fingers, using your fingertips/pads, and use circular motions around the nipple, breast, armpit, and collarbone. This is checking for abnormal feelings such as lumps. Then, gently squeeze the nipple to check for irritation, soreness, and discharge. Finally, place the pillow under your left shoulder and place your left hand behind your head, and repeat the steps for the left breast.
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These methods do not replace getting checked by a doctor or professional, but it is good to familiar yourself with what is normal for your body.