There are three suggested positions for checking your breasts during a self-exam: Lying down, standing and in the shower. When you lie down, your breast tissue will spread out evenly along your chest.

What are the 3 main positions places you could do a breast self-exam?

There are three suggested positions for checking your breasts during a self-exam: Lying down, standing and in the shower. When you lie down, your breast tissue will spread out evenly along your chest.

What should a female check for during a breast self-examination?

Look at your breasts directly and in the mirror. Look for changes in skin texture, such as dimpling, puckering, indentations, or skin that looks like an orange peel. Also note the shape and outline of each breast. Check to see if the nipple turns inward.

In what positions is breast self-examination done?

The breasts are best examined while lying down because it spreads the breast tissue evenly over the chest. Lie flat on your back, with one arm over your head and a pillow or folded towel under the shoulder. This position flattens the breast and makes it easier to check.

What are the disadvantages of breast self-examination?

Disadvantages of BSE: Fear and anxiety about what may be found during the exam, and. False-positive (“false alarm”) finding, which is a result that indicates that a condition is present (i.e., breast lump or possible cancer) when it is not (i.e., non-cancerous breast tissue).

Should you check your breast standing up or lying down?

Lie down and place your right arm behind your head. The examination is performed while lying down, not standing up, because when lying down the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.

Should you check your breasts lying down?

“You can also use the mirror to check for any changes in the look or outline of the breast.” Cooper advises that the remainder of the check should be performed lying down. “This spreads the tissue more evenly over the chest, so it’s easier to feel,” she explains.

What does a cancerous breast lump feel like?

The way that lump feels can provide plenty of information. Breast cancer tumors are rigid with firm, angular edges. They feel more like rocks than grapes. “A tumor won’t be smooth like a cyst.

When should breast self-examination be done?

The best time to do a monthly self-breast exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts. Do it at the same time every month. Your breasts are not as tender or lumpy at this time in your monthly cycle.

What are the disadvantages of self-examination?

Con: Self-Examinations Can Stir Up Unnecessary Anxiety Finding an irregularity in your breast can give you unneeded anxiety, especially if it turns out to be a non-cancerous condition. Also, you may have to wait several weeks before meeting with a doctor or getting any type of result.

What age should you start checking your breasts?

Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

How do you self check for breast lumps?

Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps.