By By UJ Campus Health Service (2 mins read)
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women. The key to survival is early detection. Health professionals encourage women to regularly self-examine their breasts for any signs of the disease.
1. Lower and lift
Examine your breasts in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and then raised over your head with your palms pressed together.
2. Look
Look for changes in size shape, contour, dimpling, pulling or redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. Then, with arms slightly raised, examine under each underarm.
3. Lie
Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
4. Touch
With your left three middle finger pads to feel for lumps in your right breast. Feel the breast tissue with dime-sized circular motions.
5. Circle
Circle your breasts, beginning at the nipple. Use firm, smooth pressure and move in larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. Begin with a soft touch and constantly increase the pressure.
6. Up and down
Feel up and down the breasts. First with a soft touch, then increase the pressure. Feel for changes from top-bottom and side-side. Cover the entire breast and don’t miss any tissue.
7. Repeat
Move the pillow under your left shoulder. Repeat steps 4-6 using your right hand on your left breast.
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Content obtained from UJ Campus Health Service. Feature image: UJ APK Campus Health. Image courtesy to Gaby Ndongo.
