Our 4-Step Breast Self-Exam

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we thought it important to share with you a simple self-assessment exam you can do at home. Please scroll to the bottom of the article for the guided steps.

In these past few months, COVID-19 has turned the word upside down and affected millions around the globe. It seems like the only thing people can talk about nowadays is how the novel virus has affected individuals, their family, friends, and lives. Although talking about COVID-19 is very important, as staying educated is the best way to ensure yours and your friends/families’ safety, during this month of October, we want to take a moment to bring your attention to another disease that affects millions a year around the globe: Breast cancer.

“Statistically, 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and that about every 15 seconds someone is diagnosed with the disease”

Just like COVID-19 is a serious disease and something to always be mindful about, the same can be said about breast cancer. There are many different types of breast cancers, but as a general rule the disease can be characterized as cells in the breast growing out of control, often causing health complications that in many cases can be deadly as it can spread to other parts of the body. Many people are affected by breast cancer. Statistically, 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and that about every 15 seconds someone is diagnosed with the disease.

Survival rates are more positive in early detection cases, when the cancer is between the stages 0-2. As the cancer spreads, the survival rates lower. Although cancer is not a totally preventable disease, there are many things people can do to detect the cancer in its early stage to better their survival chances. For instance, it is recommended to have a mammogram every 2 years after the age of 40. Many health professionals also recommend doing occasional self-assessments. There are different steps to follow, but the idea is that women familiarize themselves with their breast, their shape and how they feel. If one day you notice something different from the normal, you should contact your doctor right away to schedule an appointment.