Breast cancer has reared its ugly head across the world. It is important for every woman to examine her breasts and look out for the telltale signs so that you can get the help required in case you have cancer. Let's start with these basic steps.

Step One

Stand naked in front of the mirror and look at your breasts. Stand in position with the hands on your hips. What you need to look out for is whether the shape, size or color has changed. Is there any excessive swelling or distortion that is visible. Have the nipples shifted the position or are they pushed inwards (inverted). Is the skin bulging or puckering? If you Notice anything strange or different - then it is time to let the doctor know, immediately.

Step Two

The breast self-examination requires that you now lift the arms and notice any changes while raising the arms. Stand in this position for a while and keep a look out for any discharge of fluids from the nipples. The color could be white, cream, yellow - you could even see blood. If you notice a liquid from your nipples, do not hesitate, call the doctor immediately.

Step Three

You have now completed the two steps and if you do not notice anything or do notice something awry, proceed to step four. Lie down. Using the left hand, examine the right breast and the right hand for the left breast. Examine each breast carefully. The balls of your fingers have to be positioned in a flat manner. A circular movement ensures that you examine every part of the breast carefully. It is necessary to check each breast from the abdomen up to the collarbone. Do not avoid the cleavage and always check the armpits.

This self-examination of the breast will take time, as you need to identify whether there is a lump or just a nodule. Women who shave have a tendency of getting small lumps and stress over this believing that they have discovered a cancerous lump. This is a basic reaction, to the removal of armpit hair, which if tugged reacts causing a cyst to form. Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with informing the doctor if the size increases.

Step three does take time because you are not only touching the skin you are also firmly examining the tissue. Move your fingers vertically and check for any lump and make sure that no part of the breast is omitted. Use light pressure on the nipples and intensity the pressure mildly to reach the tissue especially in the middle of the breasts. The process requires that you check out the front and back of the breasts carefully and with suitable pressure, you can actually feel the ribcage.

Step four

You can also have a self-mammogram while standing, sitting, kneeling, any position as long as you are comfortable. The process of step four is similar to step three but follow protocol so that you cover every single part of the breast. If you want, you can do so while bathing it can make the self-examination process relatively easier. Many women who have self examined their breasts find it easier when the skin is moist.