Breast Examinations

by Lisa Busby

Ladies, could you tell me when was the last time you examined your breasts? Well, according to the experts, these examinations should be done every month, ideally just after your menstrual period has finished. If this is carried out regularly, you will familiarise yourself with their shape and be able to pick up any changes at the earliest possible moment.

Please note that breasts are naturally a little lumpy to the touch - so do not panic. We're interested in changes that may occur.

Follow these steps:

Stand naked in front of a mirror, looking at your breasts, place your hands on your head, watching for any dimpling, puckering or swelling around the breast area.
Press your hands on your hips firmly, to stretch the pectoral muscles, to check for the same signs.
Lie on the floor with a folded towel beneath your left shoulder. Let your left arm lie beside your body. Examine your breast with the flat surface of the first three fingers of your right hand. Press the breast tissue firmly but gently towards the chest wall, starting just above the nipple, rotating your fingers in small concentric circles. Make sure that you feel every part of the breast, beneath as well as above.
Place your left arm above your head and repeat the above examination, paying particular attention to the upper part of the breast as it extends into the armpit.
Repeat the examination for the other breast.

If there is anything suspicious, or maybe you are not sure, please visit your doctor and have it checked out .

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