Best Atlanta women’s OBGYN shares how to perform a breast self-exam in Atlanta, GA

Best Atlanta women’s OBGYN provides a valuable service for Atlanta, GA women: checking for signs of breast cancer. They do this by performing a breast exam at your annual wellness visit and by recommending mammograms when you come of age, or if your family history dictates it. But, they aren’t the only ones who should be monitoring your breast health.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So, now is the perfect time to learn how to perform a breast self-exam and what to look for. We will cover the basics, but your Atlanta women’s OBGYN is also available to answer any questions you may have.

3 Exams to perform monthly

Your Atlanta women’s OBGYN will likely recommend you do a breast self-exam once a month. There are three steps, or exams, that you should do.

Stand facing a mirror and look for changes in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, or other changes. You should also watch for newly inverted nipples. Be sure to do your inspection with your arms at your sides, as well as with them raised as you need to inspect the area around your armpits as well.
In the shower, use the pads of your three middle fingers to check the entire breast and armpit area. To do this, press down with light, medium, and firm pressure and follow a set pattern around your breast. You are checking for any lumps, thickening skin, or other changes you haven’t noticed before.
Lay down and place a pillow under one shoulder and that arm behind your head. Using the opposite hand, use the pads of your fingers to gently feel around your breast and armpit area. Then, repeat these steps with the opposite arm on the pillow and raised.

What to do if you feel something

If you feel something or have a concern, contact your Atlanta women’s OBGYN. They will be able to check the area and either rule out breast cancer or get started on your treatment right away.

It is important that you not panic before you contact your Atlanta women’s OBGYN. Though early detection is important, breasts change and the majority of issues found are benign. But, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Best Atlanta women’s OBGYN in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta women’s OBGYN recommends that you should start a routine of performing breast self-exams this month and every month going forward. If you have questions about how to perform this exam, contact your Atlanta women’s OBGYN. They can answer any questions you have and even help you learn how to do your exam.

Contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.