Your Breast Self-Exam in 3 Simple Steps
Swim Suits Direct is honored to lend our support to Breast Cancer Awareness month by offering a line of Pink products. To help the cause, 10% of all sales of these products will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Detecting breast cancer early is one of the best defenses against preventing its spread and also making treatment more viable and effective. One of the easiest methods of early detection is regular breast self exams.
Swim Suits Direct empowers women by providing an array of different swimsuits so that every woman can find the perfect suit for her style, preferences and body type. Taking the time to check for the signs of breast cancer is another empowering step that every woman can take for her own health and well-being. Avoiding these risk factors is also key to prevention:
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Being over the age of 50
• You started menstruating at age 12 or sooner
• You gave birth to a child while under age 18
• You never had children
• You didn’t experience menopause until age 55 or older
• You have relatives with a history of cancer
Even with risk factors, early detection plus current forms of treatment can give a much higher chance of recovery. Exercising, eating right and maintaining a healthy weight will also further reduce risk.
Some of the common breast cancer warning signs to watch for include:
• Lumps in the breasts
• Changes in breast skin texture (an enlargement of pores)
• Soreness (not related to menstruation)
• Inverted nipples
• Rash
• Discharge from the nipples
• Changes in breast shape or symmetry
You don’t settle when it comes to fashion, so you should be proactive with your health as well. Take early detection into your own hands anytime with a breast self-exam:
1. In Front of the Mirror
Start by knowing what’s “normal” for you; every woman’s breasts change throughout her menstrual cycle. Use a full-length mirror and stand with hands on hips; slowly raise your arms above your head. Watch to see that your breast size and shape stays the same. Make a note of changes like dimples, redness or wrinkles; do you feel any aches, or is there any swelling? Do your nipples look normal or is there sinking inward or discharge?
2. Palpate While Standing
Raise one hand above your head and feel the corresponding breast with the opposite hand using gentle pressure. Work your fingers upper to lower, examining the whole breast to the underarm area. Repeat with other breast. Feel for any irregularities or noticeable lumps.
3. Palpate While Laying Down
While laying down, use your palm to make circular motions starting near the underarm and moving up to check the whole breast. Look for lumps, discharge or irregularities. Check both breasts thoroughly.
If you find any changes to your breasts, meet with your doctor as soon as possible.
A breast self-exam is one way that all women can take their health into their own hands. If you’re not already doing regular breast self-exams, this October (Breast Cancer Awareness month) is the perfect time to start. Swim Suits Direct is committed to empowering women and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness via our Pink line.
We also offer a gorgeous line of Post-Mastectomy suits for breast cancer survivors.