An Easy Guide to Touching Your Tatas and Checking Your Chest
Unleash your pink ribbons and jiggle those tits (no, don't do that), it's Breast Cancer Awareness month.
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Every woman is susceptible by this disease but with early screening and therapy, it can be treatable. Although breast self-exams are not recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer, it has been proven to be helpful in early detection. The National Breast Cancer Foundation claims that, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump."
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We've all heard that women are supposed to do self-checks every once in a while. Personally, I've tried it before and freaked out when I felt a bunch of lumps cause I didn't know anything about it but apparently this was normal. So how exactly do you do it?
Who are supposed to do this?
All adult women - the strong, independent woman you claim to be or even if you're the internally weakass lass - should do it. No exceptions.
When should I do self-checks?
Once a month a few days after your period ends. You should be able to familiarize yourself with your breasts and maybe treat them like your closest friends. When do they feel tender? When do they feel swollen? Can your boobs tell when it's going to rain? You know, things like that.
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If you're no longer having periods, pick a day when you would instantly remember to do a self-check or make Siri remind you to check your chesticles.
What am I even looking for?
Lumps or any unusual changes or if there's any unnoticed pain. BUT DON'T PANIC YET IF YOU FIND ONE. Some lumps are normal cause probably there are some hormonal changes in your body.
The Health Site
How do I do it?
Step 1: Familiarize yourself with your breasts and check 'em out.
Stand in front of a mirror (shirtless and braless, of course) with your shoulders straight or your hands on your waist like the boss bitch that you are. Are the color of your boobs normal? Are there any rashes you haven't noticed before? What's going on with the veins right there? Are your nips looking alright?
BreastCancer.org
Now raise your arms and check for changes. Check if any fluids are coming out of your nipples. Should not be the case if you're not supposed to be lactating.
Step 2: Rest your chest and touch those tatas.
Lie down in a comfortable position. Your pillow shouldn't be too high. Feel your breasts while lying down. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and your left hand to feel your right breast.
BreastCancer.org
Next, roll on to your left side and check your right breast with your right hand lifted up to your forehead. Your breast should lie as flat on your chest as possible like a fluffy pancake. Use the flat pads of your fingers to gently do tiny massage-like circles around your breast. Do the same for the other boob.
Maurer Foundation
OMG, I'm feeling a lot of things. What is happening?
For lack of a better phrase, calm your tits. Your breasts can be complicated and it's nothing to be worried about. Here are some things you have to take note of too:
The upper, outer area of your breasts near your armpits can be pretty lumpy. Remember that your body has lymph nodes that protect your body from bad stuff. Some parts may feel like lumpy oatmeal and some pebbly and that's okay. See this is why we told you to be familiar with your breasts so you know immediately if there's something wrong with them.
If you feel a lump that should not be there at all and are like, 89% it's not normal, take it to the doctor immediately. Do not be afraid of checkups.
Self-exams should not be done with lotions, oils, or in the shower. This is not a massage, girl.
That's it! Isn't that super easy? If you're pretty OC, include your monthly breast self-checks in your journal and record what you feel.
To know more about breast cancer and self-exams, visit The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Cancer Society, and BreastCancer.org.
