October is the month of breast cancer awareness. It is something often overlooked or ignored, because of this many women go long periods of time without knowing that they actually have the cancer. It should be routine to get checkups by a doctor, this is the most ideal way to check for the cancer so there isn’t any misconceptions or mistakes. If someone if unable to see the doctor or just wants to see if they can find something themselves – then a self-exam is an easy alternative. Every woman should know how to check themselves, and it should be normalized to be able to know how to. National Breast Cancer wrote on online article on how to check for breast cancer, and shows 3 different ways to check for it.

1) In the Shower

Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

2) In Front of a Mirror

Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.

3) Lying Down

When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

About 1 in 8 women can possibly develop breast cancer, this is around 12% of the population of women. Younger women are the least likely to develop it due to the fact that the target group is mainly women of older age.

Below is a visual animation if that helps. Always check your breasts ladies!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z41j2BDapg4