Breast Cancer Awareness Month | How To Perform Breast-Self-Exams

While it is still widely unknown why many women are diagnosed with breast cancer, there are preventative methods to detect and treat the cancer early with a 99% survival rate. Prevention is better than a cure, so it  is important to control what we can when it comes to our breast and overall health. So, to help keep you and your loved ones healthy, here is a detailed guide on how to do a breast self-exam at home. These self breast exam instructions are easy to follow.

You can do the test lying down

• While lying down, place a pillow under your left  shoulder and place your left arm over your head. Take your right hand and use the right finger pads to press gently covering your entire left breast and armpit area to check for lumps. Then, with light, medium or firm pressure squeeze the nipples to check for discharge (i.e, blood). Now it is time to switch and repeat these steps for the right breast using the left hand. Feel free to get a partner involved as a way to spark intimacy and get a loved one involved in protecting your health!

You can do the test in front of a mirror

With this  second method, first start by looking for any unusual changes on your breasts with your arms by your side. Look for these changes below:  

• Leaky nipples (including blood or anything other than milk if pregnant or breastfeeding)
•  Inverted nipples or pain in the  nipples
• Redness or flaky skin in breast or nipples

 Then raise both arms and look for these physical symptoms to look for:

• New lumps in breast or armpit
• Redness or flaky skin in breast or nipples
• Pain in any area of the breast. 

After visualizing both breasts, place your palms on your hips and firmly press to tighten your chest muscles. Look for the differences between the breast by identifying:

• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Puckering of the breasts
• Any changes in shape or size of breast

You can do the test  in the shower

With this last method, you can schedule a monthly shower to do the breast-self exam. Using the finger pads of your three middle fingers (specifically the index, middle and ring fingers), press down with light, medium and  firm pressure to check both breasts and armpits. These are the physical changes you should look for : 

• Knots 
• Lumps 
• Size or shape changes 
• Thickening 

Breast exams are recommended to be completed monthly for men and women. For those who menstruate, a breast exam should be completed 3-5+ days when the breasts are not tender and as lumpy.

RECOMMENDATION

The Kushae Protective Feminine Skin Balm is created by a board certified OB/GYN and a medical team to provide protection for the skin. This Protective Feminine Skin Balm is especially made to lubricate dry vulvar skin and protect against breast irritation. The balm is perfect for moisturizing the breasts during the self exam. 

The Kushae Protective Feminine Skin Balm contains key ingredients like:

• Marshmallow Root that softens and hydrates the skin
•  Honey which protects and moisturizes the skin 
• Calendula which acts as antiseptic and antibacterial agent

This "All-natural protective skin balm" is a must-buy for those having issues with excess sweat, chafing, perineal discomfort, tight clothing, and irritation. Check out the “Balm” via this “https://www.kushae.com/products/protective-feminine-skin-balm."