Yes, you can examine your breasts while in the shower.
Being aware of the normal size and shape of your breasts is important to help you notice any marked changes from the ordinary. For this, it is required that women undergo thorough breast self-examination every month. It will help in early detection of breast cancer and allow your doctor to start an early treatment.
There are basically 3 steps to breast self-examination which are very simple and easy to follow in the comfort of your own house.
- Manually while standing
- While lying down on the bed
- At the time of taking a shower
It is possible to do breast self-examination in the shower, while standing in front of the mirror. Most women find it easier to feel their breasts manually when the skin is wet and slippery, as during a shower. Stand in front of the mirror and use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice-versa. Feel your breasts using the pads of your three middle fingers, in a firm circular motion while increasing the pressure. Cover the entire area of the breast-from the armpits to your cleavage. Look for any significant changes in the size or shape of the breasts, any lumps, puckering of the breast skin, or any discharge from the nipples.
References:
- Breast Self-Exam (BSE). Breast Cancer. Org. https://www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/breast-self-exam-bse.
- Breast Self-Exam. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/3990-breast-self-exam.