Learn how to self-explore your breasts

Carrying out self-examinations of breasts allows us to detect any abnormality that may develop in the breasts.

Taking into account the fact that breast cancer is one of the most common worldwide, it is essential to know what is the correct way to self-explore breasts and recognize in which cases someone should go to a health professional.

It is recommended to perform a breast self-examination at least once per month after the end of a menstrual cycle. For women who are already in menopause, one day of the month can be defined to perform self-examination.

When you start with self-exams, it is recommended to carefully review the appearance and normal consistency of both breasts, in order to get familiar with them and then identify possible abnormalities that may arise. Something important to take into account is that the mammary gland has a nodular consistency, so, you can feel some small lumps if palpated. For this, you can count on an experienced person to guide all the self-exploration.


We share here 5 steps that can help detect anomalies in breasts in a simple and fast way.


1.-Stand in front of a mirror with straight shoulders and arms at the hip. The view towards the breasts should be directed. What you should look for are breasts of uniform size, shape and color and that do not present deformations or inflammations at a glance.

If dimpling, wrinkling, lumps on the skin, change of nipple position, inverted nipple, redness, burning or rash are noticed, a doctor should be contacted.

2.-It should also be ensured that none of the nipples expel liquid, this may be transparent, yellowish or even blood.

3.-Lift both arms and observe if the same alterations occur as with the arms below.


4.-Lying down and palpating the breasts with the hands inverted, that is, the left breast with the right hand and the right breast with the left hand. You should use a firm and deliberate touch with the fingertips, fingers always being straight and together. The movements must be circular, about the size of a coin. The breast should be palpated in every way; from top to bottom and vice versa, from side to side and even from the armpit to the neckline.


5.-Finally, feel the breasts while standing or sitting. Many people even recommend to carry out the examinations when the skin is wet and slippery, so some women do self-examination while they shower. As with the previous step, you should touch the breast with the same movements.


We hope these tips will come in handy for you or a loved one. Remember that prevention is in your hands.