A Self-Advocate’s Guide To Breast Health

Breast cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in women. Doctors will look for this cancer by checking your breasts, nipples, and armpit.

Prevention is the best medicine. The earlier you find a cancer, the easier it is for doctors to treat. You can do a check at home in your shower or in a mirror.

During your regular check-up, your healthcare provider may do a breast exam.

They will look at your breasts while you are sitting up and touch your breasts while you are laying down.

By age 40, most people with breasts should get an x-ray of their breasts at least every other year. An x-ray is the very best way to find breast cancer.

The x-ray machine is called a mammogram. The mammogram machine will press 1 breast at a time between 2 flat panels. It may be a little uncomfortable.

You can ask to bring a support person with you.

It is good to know what your breasts look and feel like so you can notice any changes.

In a mirror:

• Put your hands on your hips and bend forward a little. Look at the size and shape of each breast and nipple.

• Check for unusual swelling, lumps, dimpling (looks like an orange peel), scaly skin, or other changes.

• Check for nipple changes, such as a nipple that hurts or changes color.

In the shower:

• Put your left arm behind your head.

• Use the 3 middle fingers of your right hand to do your breast self exam.

• Press your fingers against your breast and trace your breast using an up and down pattern.

• Repeat on the other breast using the same steps, but switch arms.

If you see any changes or have a question, ask your Primary Care Doctor.