Love of my Gurls

is a Self Exam

Self-exam sounds serious, but we like to think of it as getting to know our gurls.

Because the whole point of a breast self-exam is to get up close and personal with your boobs. In short, a breast self-exam involves using the pads of your fingers to press into your breast tissue. The first few times you do it, you’ll just be getting used to how your boobs normally look and feel. After that, you’re just checking to make sure that nothing has changed (either it feels different or looks different than normal).

You can learn more about breast self-exams and getting to know your gurls on our Pink Table Talk episode about self-exams!

Your Normal

Whether your gurls are itty bitty or large & in charge, regular self-checks help you know your normal. So if something changes, you’ll notice right away.

So what is normal? Black breasts come in different shapes and sizes, and that’s why YOU are the best judge of what is normal for YOUR body. Many women have one boob that is a little bigger than the other. Nipples and areolas (the darker circle of skin around your nipples) come in lots of sizes. Breasts are lumpy. You may feel lymph nodes, milk ducts, or a dry patch of skin.

The only way to know your normal is to get to know your gurls through breast self-exams. Getting to know your gurls is a way to be proactive about your health and feel empowered to take action when something isn’t right.

to do a Self Exam

The best time to perform a self-breast exam is a few days after your period ends.

Doing one breast self-exam once is a great start. Doing it every month is goddess level. Try setting a monthly reminder on your phone for a quick self-breast exam–it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.

Performing regular breast exams as part of your self-care routine is a great way to check in with your body and can help you detect any abnormal changes right away. Laying in bed, in the shower, after a workout—there’s so many quick opportunities to get to know your gurls!

Self-checks are crucial for breast health, but not everyone knows how to check or what to look out for. Here are instructions on how to complete a quick and effective check at home:

1. Look in the mirror. Standing in front of a mirror, look for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Lift one arm and look at the side of your boob and your armpit. Repeat with your other arm and armpit.

2. Get in position. There are lots of positions for a breast self-exam. The most important thing is to find one that is comfortable and works for you. Some of our favorites are:
-Lay on your back with one arm behind your head. Switch sides.
-Standing, hunch forward and let your arms hang straight down to the ground.

3. Cop a feel. Using the pads of your fingers, walk your fingers in a circular motion around your breast alternating light, medium, and firm pressure. Start at your nipple and work your way out. Feel all the way up to your collarbone, out to your armpit, and down to the bottom fold of your boob.

4. Repeat on your other boob.

If you notice anything new or unusual while you’re getting to know your gurls, don’t ignore it.

While some changes in breast shape or tenderness are normal, especially related to your menstrual cycle, is important that you see your doctor ASAP if you detect a hard lump or distinct change in your breasts, such as nipple discharge, change in texture, dimpling of the skin, or “pulling in” of the nipple. It could just be benign breast tissue, but it’s always best to have an expert opinion on any abnormalities to protect your health and peace of mind.

The following are some symptoms of breast cancer. If you notice any of these changes (or anything else new), make an appointment with your doctor.

Download Our Health CEO Guide For More Info

Too often young, Black women unaware of their risk are dismissed by doctors and end up with delayed, more advanced breast cancer diagnosis.

You’re the CEO of your own health. You can always fire your doctor and hire a new one if you feel like they aren’t listening to you or meeting your needs.

Download Our Health CEO Guide For More Info