Lovely Lady Lumps: How to properly feel your bits and check for lumps.
I check my breasts fairly regularly. As a GP, whenever I see a patient with a breast lump I make sure I check mine too (usually after the patient leaves). So when I felt a little lump in the middle of the night I knew that wasn't normal for me.
You need to know what is normal for you, to know when something isn't. I cannot stress this enough. Early detection is key for cancer survival (see links below for more info).
When was the last time you checked your boobies?
Everyone can get breast cancer it does not discriminate based on gender, age, sexuality. So when did you last give your chest a squeeze? And whilst you're having a feel up top, if you have been blessed with a ball sack, when was the last time you felt your plums, tezzers, 2 veg, balls, testicles, whatever you want to call them? I mean properly felt them. Checking for lumps and bumps and anything out of the ordinary? If it’s been more than a month,
STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND CHECK NOW!
(unless in a public place, I don’t want you getting arrested.)
See below for useful websites/videos on techniques. 👇
It's best to check yourself monthly. If you have periods, you can do this after each period. If you don't have periods, why not set a reminder in your phone or pop it on a calendar. Let’s say the 1st day of every month?
This way you get used to what's normal for you and you're likely to notice changes early. Everyone can be a bit lumpy bumpy, this can be perfectly normal, but if you have any concerns you should contact your GP and they'll be able to examine you.
For breast examinations;
The best way to check is lying down. With your fingers together and flat (as if you're rubbing lotion in), feel all over the breast. You can do this as a spiral from the nipple going outwards, from the outside going in, from side to side and up and down. It doesn't matter the pattern as long as you check the whole of your breast.
If you have large breasts, use your other hand to help support it, or move it so you make sure you get to every part!
Skin changes that can indicate breast cancer:
Colour changes
Dry and red flakey skin
Pulling in of the skin
If it looks like the skin of an orange
Nipple changes that can indicate breast cancer:
Bleeding
Discharge
If your nipples are going inwards when they didn't before
For a video on how to check your boobs click here.
Any changes or concerns contact your GP as soon as you can.
For testicle examinations;
Best done after a warm shower as they're easier to feel. Laying down can help but some prefer to do it standing - whatever you’re most comfortable with. Feel each testicle separately, feeling between your index finger and thumb, from the very bottom to the very top, or vice versa. Again it's not the order that's important, you just want to make sure you're checking every bit of both of them.
For a video on how to check your balls click here.
Any changes or concerns contact your GP as soon as you can.
Here are some really useful websites…
Coppafeel.org
Examination techniques for breasts and they can send you gentle reminders each month to examine yourself. Step by step guide for examining your breasts.
NHS
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Prevent Breast Cancer
Useful website with what to look out for and information about breast cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Breast cancer stages.
Breast Cancer.org
Examination techniques in pictures.
BBC Health
Video on how to examine your breasts.
NHS
Info on testicles.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
Info on testicular cancer and how to self examine in pictures.
You Tube
Video on how to examine your testicles.