Oct 11, 2013 2 min read

Washington Health System OB/GYN Care is reminding women to be more proactive about breast health. If caught early, breast cancer can be highly treatable, and the best ways to be proactive are to get regular breast exams by an OB/GYN and to administer monthly self-breast exams.

Washington Health System OB/GYN Care has provided these simple steps to check for breast abnormalities.

In the shower

Raise the right arm. With the fingers of the left hand flat, touch every part of the right breast, gently feeling for a lump or thickening. Repeat the process on your left breast by raising your left arm and feeling with the right hand.

Before the mirror

With your arms at your side, look carefully for changes in size, shape, and contour of each breast. Look for puckering, dimpling, or change in skin texture. Raise your arms up and examine again. Gently squeeze both nipples and look for discharge.

Lying down

Place a towel or pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head. Examine your right breast with your left hand. Fingers flat, press gently in small circles, starting at the outermost top edge of your breast and spiraling in toward the nipple.

Examine every part of the breast. Repeat with the left breast.

Stand up

With your arm resting on a firm surface, use a circular motion to examine the underarm area. This area also contains breast tissue.

This exam is not a substitute for periodic examinations by a qualified physician. Remember to check breasts monthly and follow up with a doctor to schedule annual exams and mammograms.

For more information or to make an appointment with WHS OB/GYN Care, call (724) 225-3640 or visit whsdocs.org.