Share

Breast self-examination: 8 steps

accreditation
Raise your arm over your head.
Examine your right breast with your left hand.
Use a skin cream with a gentle lather to make your hand glide more smoothly over the skin.
Use light pressure when examining the breast.
Use deep pressure when examining the breast.
For pendulous breasts,
suport the breast with one hand while examining with the
other.
After your shower or bath stand in front of a mirror
with a good light.
Look for any visual changes in your breasts
Note. the right breast is slightly larger than the left this is not uncommon.
any change in the following: size, shape, level of nipples, obvious lump, skin colour, dimpling, or tethering, change in skin of the nipple.
lift your arms abouve your head to see whether there is any dimpling or tethering of the skin.

A change in the nipple itself may be a sign of problems.
Look at it carefully to see whether there have been any changes such as inversion (nipple pulled inwards) or a discharge.
Gently squeeze the nipple a small discharge may emerge which may be:
-clear
-dark green/brown/black
-pinkish or blood stained
(if its blood stained see your doctor immediately!)

Check for lymph nodes in the armpit
on each side and also feel above the collar bone
Lie down over a folded towel or pillow.
This allows the breast to flow over the chest wall so that the breast tissue is more easily felt.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE