Monthly Self Chest Exam
Hey, y’all! Today is #feelitonthefirst : a reminder to do a look 👀 and feel 👋🏼👋🏾 self chest exam once a month, every month, b/c #EarlyDetectionSavesLives !!!
I found my own breast cancer via self exam.
You’re looking for any lumps, discharge, “orange peel” skin, redness, pain, n*pple inversion. If you notice anything — go see your doctor. Don’t Google or “wait and see.” Time IS of the essence! ⏰
Get your mammogram scheduled. Ask the radiologist what your breast density is. Dense or very dense breast tissue? Ask for a baseline chest MRI. Mammograms are difficult to read with dense or extremely dense breast tissue. 🔎
When possible, learn your family medical history and share it with your doctor. BUT, keep in mind that most breast cancers are not genetic.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer — ladies as young as teens. Because of this — encourage / teach self exams early on!
But dont forget MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO!!! It’s rare, but it does happen!!!
I’m about to hit my TWO year 🥳 remission anniversary! 🙏🏼 Ask me anything about my journey — and please, remind each other to do self exams!
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Performing a monthly self chest exam has been a crucial part of my health routine, especially after my personal experience with breast cancer detection through self-exam. It’s empowering to take control of your health by simply knowing what signs to look for. Beyond checking for lumps, I’ve learned that paying attention to any changes such as skin texture resembling 'orange peel', unusual redness, discharge, pain, or nipple inversion can make all the difference in catching breast cancer early. I highly recommend setting a fixed date each month for your self-exam, like the first day of the month, to build a consistent habit. Using your fingers to gently press and feel all areas of your chest and underarms ensures thoroughness. If you have dense breast tissue, which can make mammograms less clear, ask your radiologist about getting a baseline breast MRI. This was a valuable recommendation from my doctor to provide another layer of screening. Don’t hesitate to discuss your family medical history with your healthcare provider, even though many breast cancers are not hereditary. Being proactive by scheduling regular mammograms and understanding your personal risk factors can save your life. I also want to highlight that men can develop breast cancer too. Though it’s rare, awareness and early detection are equally important for everyone. Sharing this journey, now nearly two years in remission, I encourage you to spread the message: monthly self chest exams are vital. They can provide early warnings before symptoms worsen. Remember, if you notice anything unusual, don’t wait or search online—see your doctor immediately. Time is of the essence in early diagnosis and successful treatment. Take this commitment for yourself and your loved ones. Encourage friends and family to join the #feelitonthefirst movement. Early detection saves lives!
