So in college I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. I loved being in a sorority and Zeta gave me so much–great friends, experiences, and it’s even how I my husband. I think one of the best things it gave me though was a passion for breast cancer awareness and education (Zeta’s Philanthropy.)
During my time in my sorority, I was the fundraising/philanthropy director which empowered me to go into non-profit in the first place. I planned events throughout the year and gave the money back to various charities benefiting our cause. In addition to raising money, we also worked to raise awareness. One thing in particular we did that I loved, was handing out shower cards on campus to teach young women how to do a breast self-exam.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought this would be the perfect time to share these steps with you and share a fun new product to aid in the process. Monthly self-breast exams can save your life, so if you are 20 years old or older and don’t do them, you really need to start. It’s super easy and only takes a few minutes. I’m not a doctor, but I have seen enough shower cards to tell you the abridged version of the steps.
As an added bonus, Colleen Rothschild came out with the world’s cutest product. This is the “Breast” Friend Self-Exam butter. It uses rich butters and nourishing oils to provide the ideal slip and slide across the skin needed to help detect unusual lumps and bumps. Plus it makes your skin super soft and smells awesome. You can use my code HEL20 for 20% off regular priced purchases.
How to do a breast self-exam:
Step 1: Pick the perfect date. The best time to do an exam is one week after your period ends. If you don’t have regular periods, just pick the same day every month.
Step 2: Perform a visual exam. Stand in front of a mirror and look for changes in visual appearance. Put your hands on your hips and press firmly to engage your muscles. Look for and color, shape, and contour changes. Also turn to both sides and lift them up and check underneath.
Step 3: Perform the exam. You can either lie down or stand up, and use the pads of your middle three fingers. Grab a bit of your exam butter and move in small gentle circles starting at your arm pit and moving the opposite direction. Then go back the opposite direction. Kind of like you’re mowing a lawn lol. Use the opposite hand of the side you are checking–use your right hand for your left boob and vice versa.
Step 4: Repeat with more Force. Do the same exact thing but with more force so you can get into the deep tissue. Don’t hurt your ribs.
Step 5: Check your nipples. Squeeze lightly and look for any lumps, bumps or discharge.
Step 6: Call your doctor. If anything is irregular or strange, call your doctor and set up an appointment. It could save your life.
Step 7: Put your next exam date in your calendar. Consistency is key! Go ahead and mark the date for next month’s date in your calendar.
Do you do monthly breast self-exams?
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October is breast awareness month. I do check regularly. It’s in my family.
Yes it is Julie! Great job for remembering to check regularly!
I love seeing posts about this because it’s a much needed reminder to do your monthly checks! I make sure to do them since I have had cysts in the past that I needed to get checked.
It’s so important to do this monthly! Great job for remembering to do it every month.
I like the idea of marking it on the calendar, it is such a simple thing to do, but sometimes I probably go too long without checking.
Yep! I would forget every month without the reminder.
Great advice!! We should all know this!
Thanks Erin!
Such a good post that all women should read! I don’t do this regularly enough, but I think I’ll try and schedule a regular calendar reminder to keep it top of mind.
Yep! Putting it in my calendar helps me keep track.
This is such a good post, Helen! It’s something we all need to be doing regularly. Love that product – got to try that!
Thanks Summer! You’re right, it’s such an easy thing that could help save your life!
This is SO good to know and to share! If we can prevent something, or detect it early, why not do it!
Exactly! It’s such an easy step to take every month! Thanks girl!
This has actually been on my mind for quite some time as I have never properly checked myself, or gone in for a check up. I don’t know a lot about my family history but I recall hearing that breast cancer did once run on one side of my family, so it is something I should definitely look out for. I’ll have to make a note to start doing regular check ups – I just have to not let fear prevent me!
It will probably give you peace of mind to go in for a check-up. After that self-exams can help you detect any differences.
This is such an important thing. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I agree!
Such an important topic!! My great aunt has battled breast cancer many times and she’s constantly reminding us girls to self-exams. I’m definitely sharing this with others!