It’s been a year on, and although I do know how to do a breast self examination now, I admit I haven’t been doing it regularly. And that is not good, because I was supposed to be doing it once a month. Breast cancer is, after all, the most common cancer in women today.

A year ago, I blogged about how to do a breast self examination. This is a soft reminder to those of you who haven’t yet done a breast self exam to go fondle your boobs now :p

Remember that the best time to do an exam is about one week after the start of your period. There are two important ways* to check your breasts. The first is by looking. A mirror should be used to check the breasts for pulls, dents, odd colouring, or lumps. The best positions for inspecting are leaning forward, arms on hips tightly, or standing upright with both arms over your head. When checking the breasts, keep in mind that both breasts should look the same, especially around the nipple.

The second way to check the breasts is by feeling. There are two ways to do this part of the exam and it is best to use a different one each month. One method uses water or oil on the skin to help fingers glide over the skin more easily. The shower can be a good place for this kind of exam. The second way is to use a thin T-shirt or sheet over the breasts. In both of these ways, the little skin lumps and bumps are less noticeable. Feel the breast tissue for any areas that feel different from the rest of the breast. Sometimes a difference will be a ball or lump. Yet other times it will be a thickened band or a deep, hard area that does not move like the rest of the breast.

Don’t be alarmed at the first touch of a lump on your breasts. Our breasts are made of fatty tissue; of course there will be lumps. Just be alert and mindful on where you felt those lumps, and if they are hard. It doesn’t hurt to consult a doctor if you aren’t sure. It’s better to err on the side of caution.

Please bear in mind that a breast self-exam is not a substitute for mammography or for regular exams by a doctor. Be sure to keep regular appointments as recommended by your doctor.

*Health First