How to Check for Breast Cancer at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your breasts at home has these benefits:

• Finding lumps or strange changes early
• Getting to know your body better
• Getting more confident when you talk to doctors

How to Check for Breast Cancer at Home in Steps

Step 1: Check out your breasts in the mirror.

Put your arms on your hips and stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight.

What to look for:

• Any changes in the shape, size, or location of your breasts
• Changes in the skin, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness
• Nipples that are turned inward
• One breast may swell or shrink.
• Skin that looks like the peel of an orange

Now, lift both arms above your head and look for the same signs again.

Step 2: Look for discharge from the nipple

While you are still in front of the mirror, use your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze each nipple.

Look out for:

• Any discharge, whether it's milky, yellow, green, or bloody
• Changes in the shape or position of the nipple

Discharge doesn't always mean you have cancer, but you should see a doctor about it.

Step 3: Touch Your Breasts While Lying Down

Put a pillow under your right shoulder and lie flat on your back. With your left hand, feel your right breast, and with your right hand, feel your left breast.

How to do it:

• Use the pads, not the tips, of your three middle fingers.
• Push in small, round motions.
• Use light pressure on the skin and the tissue just below it.
• For deeper tissue, use medium and firm pressure.
• Cover the whole breast, from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit to the cleavage.

Also, look in the armpit area, where breast tissue goes.

Step 4: Touch Your Breasts While You Stand or Shower

A lot of women say it's easier to feel their breasts when their skin is wet and slippery, like when they're in the shower

Do the same circular motion as you did when you were lying down. Put something on all of your breast and armpit areas.

What Are the Signs That You Might Have Breast Cancer?

Here are some signs that you should never ignore:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• Part or all of the breast is swollen.
• Irritation or dimpling of the skin
• Nipple that turns inward (inverted nipple)
• Skin on the breast or nipple that is red, scaly, or flaky
• Discharge from the nipple (especially if it is clear or bloody)
• Pain in the breast or nipple

What is the difference between a self-check and a mammogram?

You can get to know your breasts better by doing a self-exam, but it can't take the place of medical tests like mammograms. Even when the cancer is too small to feel, mammograms can find it.

Doctors say:

• Women over the age of 40: Get a mammogram every one to two years.
• Younger women with a family history may need to get screened sooner.

Always do what your doctor says about when and how often to get screened.

Why should you go to Oncare Cancer Hospital?

• Advanced imaging: mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and MRIs
• Team of experts: oncologists, radiologists, and breast cancer specialists
• Full treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.
• A supportive environment includes counseling, emotional support, and care coordination.

Oncare Cancer Hospital is with you every step of the way, from your first check-up until you are fully healed.

Take charge of your breast health.

You can take charge of your health by learning how to check for breast cancer at home. It's easy, free, and only takes a few minutes, but it could help find cancer early, when treatment works best.

You are always your own best advocate. Know your body. Pay attention to it. And don't forget about changes.

If you ever feel unsure or see something that seems off, get in touch with the trusted experts at Oncare Cancer Hospital. There, care meets compassion and cutting-edge treatment.