Watch: 3 Important Tips To Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

Women's anatomy is complex and serene, yet the unawareness about it runs deep. From figuring out where the clitoris is to what constitutes a cancerous lump in our breast, we can be ignorant and faux nonchalant. To bust certain myths and help us navigate through our breast health and wellness, SheThePeople brings you a few tips and tricks to know our breasts better. 

Nimisha from Team SheThePeople, in a video, guides us into what a breast self-exam can look like and how it is a tool to detect the early signs or symbols of breast cancer. Due to its combination of physical and visual aids, we can identify if there are any lumps present. She further tells us that knowing how our breast looks and feel is commonly referred to as breast self-awareness. A mammogram is a scientific medical test used for detecting cancer before we can feel any lump but a self breast examination lets us know how our breast feels/ looks like.

Female Anatomy: Mystery For Centuries!

The most pertinent issue is not checking if there are any signs of breast cancer. Women for the longest time have been told to overlook themselves almost normalising being unaware of our anatomy. Centuries ago (before the 18th century) it was one sex model which completely denied any difference in female anatomy from the male, neglecting it and proclaiming that the female reproductive system was just an inverted penis.

This was not only blasphemy but also cultural and social notions that trickled down to people's thoughts and ideas of what constitutes male and female anatomy. While the model was debated and then emerged the two-sex model again proclaimed certain misconceptions about female anatomy and sexual needs. 

Methods For Self-Breast Examination 

For years our bodies and concerns have been made to feel insignificant. In order to bust certain myths let us look at the steps/ techniques to perform the self breast examination.

Nimisha tells us that while taking a shower, in front of the mirror we should use 3 middle fingers to thoroughly check our breast and armpit area for lumps. The pressure should be light, medium and then gradually firm. This should be done every month to be aware and in constant touch with our body. She also tells us to look out for any swelling, colouration or skin irregularities during the examination as they can be early signs of cancer.

The next tip is to flex your breasts and hold them against your palm to look for any dimpling or puckering. Another useful method is to lie down, place a pillow under your right shoulder and stretch your right arm back. Use 3 fingers from your left hand to look around for any lumps, swellings, or knots in your right breast. She also warns us to squeeze our nipples and check for any discharge as an early sign.

She advises menstruating women to conduct this exam a few days after their periods end. For post-menopausal women, it is necessary to check every month on the same day like the 1st or 15th. These self-examinations are a precautionary tool to let you be in sync with your body but if upon find any abnormalities like knots, lumps and discolouration, it is imperative to contact your medical expert and delve into further examinations.