By UJ Campus Health Service (2 mins read)
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women. The key to survival is early detection. Health professionals encourage women to regularly self-examine their breasts for any signs of the disease.
1. Lower and lift

Examine your breasts in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and then raised over your head with your palms pressed together.
2. Look

Look for changes in size shape, contour, dimpling, pulling or redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. Then, with arms slightly raised, examine under each underarm.
3. Lie

Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
4. Touch

With your left three middle finger pads to feel for lumps in your right breast. Feel the breast tissue with dime-sized circular motions.
5. Circle

Circle your breasts, beginning at the nipple. Use firm, smooth pressure and move in larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. Begin with a soft touch and constantly increase the pressure.
6. Up and down

Feel up and down the breasts. First with a soft touch, then increase the pressure. Feel for changes from top-bottom and side-side. Cover the entire breast and don’t miss any tissue.
7. Repeat

Move the pillow under your left shoulder. Repeat steps 4-6 using your right hand on your left breast.
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Content obtained from UJ Campus Health Service. Feature image is the entry of the UJ APK Campus Health. Image courtesy to Gaby Ndongo.