Check yourself. Do you love? Make sure! Because self-care is not just a trend – it's life. This month, we're speaking loudly about breast self-examination and breast cancer awareness.
Together with the Pomacaj się Foundation and the kochaszdopilnuj Foundation, and their beneficiaries, we remind you: EXAMINE YOURSELF REGULARLY! TALK ABOUT IT LOUDLY AND TEACH OTHER WOMEN HOW TO DO IT.
October is not only a time to support preventative initiatives but also an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of regular examinations and breast self-exams. At handy lab., we believe that education and awareness are crucial in the fight against breast cancer, which is why we get involved in campaigns aimed at increasing public knowledge. We focus on consistent actions, full of empathy and commitment. We want as many women as possible to feel that they are not alone in this fight, and that prevention can save lives.
We invite you to follow our activities and share information – because together we can do more! Let's remember that every person we manage to help matters. Let's take care of ourselves and others together, because health is in our hands.
How to perform a self-examination at home?
1. Observation in front of a mirror
- Stand naked in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and carefully examine your breasts. Pay attention to any changes in shape, dimpling, redness, or inverted nipples.
- Raise your arms high above your head and look at your breasts again. Check for any new changes in shape or skin.
- Place your hands on your hips and lean slightly forward. Check that your breasts are symmetrical and that there are no visible changes.
- Gently squeeze your nipples and check for any discharge.
2. Palpation examination in a lying position
- Lie on your back and place the arm on the side of the breast being examined behind your head.
- With your right hand, examine your left breast and vice versa, using the pads of your three middle fingers.
- Perform circular, semi-circular, or vertical movements, pressing the breast spot by spot, from the outside towards the nipple.
- Examine the entire breast, including the areas around the collarbones and armpits.
3. Palpation examination in the shower
- Many women find that examining themselves in the shower is easier because soapy skin makes it easier to slide their fingers.
- Perform the examination similar to the lying position, but in the shower, with your arm behind your head and your fingertips on your skin.
- Focus on examining the entire surface of the breast and the armpit area.
What should be a cause for concern:
- Any palpable change, lump, thickening.
- Change in breast shape or size.
- Nipple discharge.
- Inverted or deformed nipple.
- "Orange peel" skin (peau d'orange).
- Red or reddened areas.
When and how often to examine:
- Breast self-examination should be performed once a month, preferably between the 8th and 10th day of the menstrual cycle, after bleeding has ended.
- For women after menopause, a fixed day of the month can be chosen.
- Regularity is key to developing the habit and effectively detecting changes.
- If you notice anything concerning, be sure to consult a doctor.