Breast Cancer Test

While in the shower, raise one of your arms. Make sure your arm is fully extended over the top of your head and you are in a relaxed position. With the fingers of your other hand, gently press and feel the entire area of your breast. Check under your arm. You should repeat this on the other side.

Once you get out of the shower, step in front of a full-length mirror. Raise your arms and examine your breasts in the mirror. Do you see any skin tightening? Any discoloration of the area around the nipples or any pinched skin? Do both breasts look relatively the same? Any discharge or scabbing of the nipples?

Breast self-exams should be performed every month after you turn twenty years old. Do not examine your breasts during your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Often women’s breast will change during these times. They will become swollen, tender and even painful.

If you feel anything out of the ordinary consult your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key here but although self-tests can detect early signs of cancer, they do not prevent deaths. You will need to go to your doctor right away if any changes are felt or seen.

Men, you can do the same procedure as the women do and note any subtle or drastic changes to your chest, breast, nipples or underarms.