Running head: Breast Self-Exam 1

Breast Self-Examination

Kaylie Scott
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.3
Contact information.3
Preface. 4
Module 1
What to look for4-5
Module 2
Mirror6
Laying down.6
In the shower7
Reference Page...8
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Introduction

This manual was created by Kaylie Scott to teach people how to perform self-

assessments to check for breast cancer or abnormalities. John Hopkins Medicine

recommends that women perform a self-examination about once a month. There

are no pre-requisites needed before using this manual. Any, and all, advice needed

past this manual should be directed to your personal doctor or another medical

professional.

Contact Information

Any questions or concerns regarding this manual can be directed to Kaylie Scott

via email at Kaylie.scott@uky.edu

Preface

After reading this manual you should be able to:

Know what major breast abnormalities are, and what they look like
Be able to visually notice abnormalities in the mirror
Feel any breast abnormalities while laying down or in the shower
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Module One

What to Look For

When performing a breast self-examination, it is first important to know

what exactly you should be looking for. While every persons breasts are different

there are a few main abnormalities

to look for when performing the

self-exam.

LUMPS Lumps on the breast are a

key signs of breast cancer. A lump

will feel like a hard stone or pebble

inside the breast. You may also be

able to see the lump while looking

in the mirror.

SKIN DIMPLING Skin dimpling

is when your skin become rippled or

dimpled on your breasts. This can

happen on any part of the breast,

whether it is the nipple or the breast itself.

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CHANGE IN COLOR Sometimes when cancer is present, the breast will begin

to change color and the nipple will change how it looks as well. To be able to

detect this easily, you must be familiar with your breasts and how they normally

look.

BLOOD OR FLUID Having blood or clear fluid coming out of the nipple is a

very clear sign that something is wrong. If this happens you should contact a

medical professional as soon as possible.

If you notice any of these things, or anything else that is out of normal for

your breasts, you should contact your doctor or another medical professional

immediately.
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Module Two

Mirror

Step 1: With your shirt removed, stand in front of a mirror with your hands

to your side, or with your hands on your hips. Visually inspect your breasts in the

mirror to see if there are any abnormalities, such as the ones listed above.

Step 2: Repeat step one but with your hands above your head. Again,

visually inspect the breasts well. It helps to know your breasts well so that you can

see if anything is abnormal for you. Some abnormalities can differ from person to

person.

Laying Down

Step 1: To begin remove your shirt and lay down on a flat surface. By laying

down you can flatten and spread out your breasts so that you can feel any lumps or

other abnormalities.

Step 2: Begin by rubbing your hand in a circular motion. You should be

feeling for any stone like lumps, skin dimpling, or overall difference in the texture

of the breast. According to breastcancer.org, it helps to start near the nipple and

work your way out until you have covered the entire breast.
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Step 3: Repeat step 2, but change the to a wedge motion and then again in a

line motion. Again, feel for things that are abnormal to your breasts in general.

Step 4: Do the whole process again on your other breast.

Shower

Many women prefer to do the physical exam while in the shower rather than

laying down. This is because it is easier to do because the water makes it easier for

the hand to move over the breasts because of the reduced friction. This is perfectly

fine and you will complete the exact same steps listed previously.
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References

John Hopkins Medicine. Breast cancer. In Breast self exams. Retrieved from

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breast_center/treatments_services/breast_cancer_screen

ing/breast_self_exam.html

Breast Cancer. (2017, February 22). Breast cancer self-exam. In The five steps to a breast self-

exam. Retrieved from

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps

National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2013). About Breast Cancer. In Breast self-exam. Retrieved

from http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam

National Cancer Institute. (2015, April 23). Breast cancer. In Understanding breast changes: a

health guide for women. Retrieved from

https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/understanding-breast-changes