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Kris Carr

Wellness

How To Do a Self Breast Exam (Interview)

Hiya Prevention Pioneers,

In honor of breast cancer prevention month, it’s time to #checkyourselfie!

Keep A Breast Founder, Shaney jo Darden, joined me for this interview to share how to do a breast check infused with fun and self-love. We also discuss important tips on breast health and prevention.

In this video, Shaney and I check our own breasts and we hope you’ll join us! If you’ve got some privacy, follow along—or try this at home later. Her approach makes regular self-checks fun, non-taboo and as normal as brushing your teeth.

A few self breast exam tips we should all keep in mind:

1. Your breast area extends all the way under your armpit—so you might need to expand the amount of terrain you’re exploring. (The majority of lumps are found in this area.)

2. Your partner may be the one to feel a lump in your breast, so it’s important to raise his or her awareness, as well.

3. Men can also get breast cancer, so you should #checkyourselfie, too!

We also talked about the importance of avoiding endocrine disruptors (especially BPA), and Shaney filled me in on her free app that reminds us when it’s time to do another self-love boobie check (hint: for the ladies, right after your period is best!).

 

Here’s a Recap of Shaney’s 5 Self Breast Exam Steps (aka: How to do a Breast Cancer Prevention Self-Check):

1. Mirror Mirror

Look in the mirror and see what you’ve got going on. Put your hands over your head, and then on your hips. Front boob and side boob are created equal, so be sure to include both.

2. Mini Massage

Next, keep looking in the mirror and put one hand behind your head. Now, place three fingers to your breast and check for anything that strikes you as weird or not your “normal”.

3. Up & Down

Move your three fingers in small circles with different levels of pressure. Choose easy, medium and then hard while walking your fingers to the next area, instead of lifting them off your boobies.

4. Your Pits

Cover your entire breast up and down and into the armpit area, finishing inside your armpit. Leave no breast area unchecked! Side boobs are boobies, too. Spend extra time in your pits where your lymphatic system lives and where many breast cancers develop—they may need extra circle massage love.

5. Squeeze

Lastly, squeeze each nipple. If there is any discharge or pain, see a doctor right away.

You can find out more about Shaney’s #checkyourselfie campaign, plus grab loads of helpful resources at her website.

Please help me keep this vital conversation going by sharing this interview with everyone you know.

Remember, breast cancer affects women of all ages—young women included (and dudes). Don’t be shy—protect your boobs. Embrace Prevention. And tell your friends!

Your turn: Pledge to #checkyourselfie by leaving a comment below.

Peace & nipple pinching,

Add a comment
  1. Merak Alemi says:

    Thank you so much for the video and valuable information

  2. Thanks for give this usefully information 🙂

  3. What a wonderful content also magnificiant video, Thanks for that.

  4. This information amazing. Thank you all.

  5. anksiyete says:

    Thank you, Kris and Shaney for this video. I will share it with my daughter.

  6. kerem says:

    thanks for sharing us :)))

  7. Danielle says:

    How should the self breast examination differ when you have implants? I find that it’s much more difficult to do properly. I’ve gotten rid of the underwire in all of my bras (I don’t like the way they look as much without the underwire, but they are certainly more comfortable and better for the “girls”. I am also thinking of having them removed as I’m hearing so many health issues may occur because of the implants. What are your thoughts?

    • Jennifer says:

      Hi Danielle! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. Here is some info from Shaney jo, the woman Kris interviewed in the blog that speaks a bit about implants. She’s got a great website that can answer additional questions. As always, it’s best to work with your doctor on which tests would be best. Have a great day!

  8. Paula Franklin says:

    I saved my own life by checking my breasts. Don’t go along with that crap they are spewing about BSE not being of any value!

  9. How about recomm for a great painless bra

  10. nice article. thank you form Turkey

  11. Very useful tips to check breast cancer. Knowing this tips we can surely noticed breast cancer at initial stage & we can treat it on time. Breast cancer prevention is the easiest way to stay away from breast cancer.

  12. Alessia says:

    This was truly amazing and filled with so much happiness and love! I am really grateful for this post!

  13. Bec says:

    Such a great video, thank you both. Have downloaded the app – really love the message that this should be approached with normality, not fear. Keep up your amazing inspiring work! x

  14. Deb says:

    How about recomm for a great painless bra

  15. Anna says:

    Hi we would LOVE it Kris if you could promote our exciting new Reusable Shopping Cart Bags as they are saving the world from that horrible stuff called plastic!!!! We could send you a set or two….one for you or one of your team members and one for your blogging fan page for a giveaway…..please we would LOVE LOVE LOEV to hear back from you. PS I am a follower and fan of yours BTW

    thanks heaps for taking the time to read

  16. Marilyn Espada says:

    Thank you, Kris and Shaney for this video. I will share it with my daughter.
    Cold you please tell me how to get the “Dirty Dozen” guide?

  17. Ginny Abate says:

    Kris, you are my support, my courage and my coach! I found you seven years ago, right after my bilateral mastectomy, and I have been with you ever since. This is great! YOU are GREAT! Thank you for always being strong for me, when I can’t be…xo?.

  18. Chris mckiernan says:

    Hi- Thanks for sharing this ..just wanted to say I n all my 40+ years of self exams no one ever clarified what Shaney
    Jo did- if you have lumpy fibrous breasts(as I do) it’s really important to do these regular self checks so you know what’s NORMAL! I’ve always been worried about detecting a lump when I should have focused on checking for what’s different!! Thank you!! ?

  19. Hi Kris,
    I love your posts and especially enjoyed the breast selfie app and video, since I am a 9 year Breast Cancer Survivor (Woohoo!). I am all about the EWG and staying away from toxins. Did you know most commercial deodorants have aluminum in them linked to Alzheimers and parabens linked to breast cancer? Well ours does not! So please check out my site. I would love your feedback and will answer any questions you might have.

  20. Kathleen says:

    Wot – you kept your clothes on! Now some people will probably think they can examine their breasts fully clothed!

  21. Debbie says:

    Kris,
    The check your breast was great. Thank you for not being shy. I do have a question? I had a double masrectomy so do I still need to do this, hope you can help.
    Thanks, Debbie

  22. Mary says:

    Thank you, Kris and Shaney Jo. I really needed this and appreciate the reminder to just do it, and make it normal. My mom had two mastectomies so it’s scary territory, but you took the scary out of it. Awesome. xo

  23. Nalie says:

    Yess! This is like my #feelitonthefirst movement. Basically the only difference is I encourage young women to #checkyourselfie every first of the month ! I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 24 years old… and when I found lumps in my left breast, I waited a long time before getting checked. #feelitonthefirst and #checkyourselfie are perfect ways to attract young women’s attention on social media, reminding them that breast cancer can happen to them too. Feel it on the first however gives women a schedule! Every FIRST of the month… women are then encouraged to self examine themselves. The key to survival is prevention… and the only way you can spot any differences to your breasts is if you get to know them REGULARLY! So thank you Kris and Shaney for spreading an important message. And maybe we can combine the 2 movements. #CHECKYOURSELFIE and #FEELITONTHEFIRST this november 1st. xo

  24. Natalie says:

    I did it! Love you both…now off to download the app!

  25. Lale says:

    Thanksa lot. I loved it.

  26. Honor says:

    Thank you…I feel very supported…this is a great video…awesome actually.

  27. Suzanna says:

    Fabulous! Love this he emphasis on lovely caring and loving our bodies and not coming from a place of fear.

  28. Linda says:

    Thank you so much!

  29. Cristol says:

    Thank -you wellness rockstars for taking this teachable moment to give us some self-care and self-love tips! At almost 40, I have never been educated on how to do a self check. I loved the video and plan to share it with my girlfriends. Thanks for taking the awkwardness out of breast exams and making it an act of self-care. I’m inspired to continue the self-love with a smoothie for breakfast!

  30. Larissa says:

    Thank you for this loving reminder. I am 48 and just did my first self exam with you wonderful women. Never too late to step into responsible self care. Much love and gratitude!!!
    Larissa

  31. Jimmie A McClune says:

    This is a great interview and make the self check process clear. I hope that younger women will relate to the app andthe simple instruction and make this a regular part of their routine. As a breast cancer survivor of 6 years, I am very supportive of efforts for early detection. The self exam is critical for young women, especially those under 40 or 45 who don’t have mammograms yet. They don’t develop breast cancer as often as post-menopausal women but when they do, it is often aggressive. They need to be vigilant on their own behalf.

  32. Connie Butterworth says:

    Thank you! What a great fun way to self check

  33. Joan Hall says:

    I have not done any checking for a long while so thank you so much for this fun reminder!!

  34. stevalia says:

    That was interesting and fun, but never knew before that women can have bumpy breasts, often wondered how they check them. But certainly was not aware men need to do this as well as they too (although beast cancer is rare in men) can get breast cancer. I thought only women could get it.

  35. Elizabeth says:

    Thank you so much for sharing this Kris!!! There is no reason women (or men) should feel uncomfortable about checking our breasts, but for some reason we do. You made this fun and approachable instead of intimidating xxoo

  36. Judi says:

    i had a malignant tumor removed last September. I was not able to feel the lump with manuel checks. What I know now is you have to feel deeper into the breast tissue not just on the surface. It may hurt a little to dig deeper but it’s worth it.

  37. I sat here by my computer with my cup of tea and followed the directions for a check. Thank you!

  38. Your breast area extends all the way under your armpits—so you might need to expand the amount of terrain you’re exploring.

  39. Rachel says:

    Thank you for the information- very helpful. I love the taking a few minutes to breathe first before starting the “boob session.” I just jump right in without too much breathing- must stop that. I made a decision to not have mammograms, instead I am opting for thermography. I will be turning 40 in a few months and my doctors are pushing me to go the mammogram route because it’s standard procedure in our country and my mom had breast cancer. I am pushing for a new protocol for myself- checking my breasts once a month then checking once a year with thermography. Does anyone know about thermography and if it’s truly a better way to go? I would greatly appreciate the knowledge.

    • stevalia says:

      I never heard of thermography only that mammogram can be cancer causing like over exposure to X-Rays. Also tight bra can cause cancer because it hinders blood flow.

    • Debra says:

      Check out dr. Veronique Desaunier’s website, the truth about cancer series, and dr. Christiane Northrup. These resources will address all of your questions and concerns in great detail. Your breasts are a beautiful and natural part of your body which need your love! Dr. Northrup talks about not being a “mine sweeper” looking for problems but instead having a mind set of giving your “girls” a big dose of love and self awareness. Thermography is NOT radiation and detects heat/blood flow (angiogenesis is when a tumor develops its own blood supply)) perhaps many years before anything would show up on a mammogram. It’s worth investigating. Get toxic chemicals out of your life – home, beauty and body products, food, and your thoughts. Ladies, let’s raise our awareness and share our knowledge.

  40. Cia says:

    Thank you both for sharing this. Makes it fun and raises awareness. Someone wrote below about not doing mammograms unless breastcancer runs in your family, and that is not true as far as I know. Isn’t it actually more common that you get breastcancer if it’s not in your family? I’ve read studies on this and I was really surprised. I’m not sure about mammograms though since they put unnessescary radiation through your breast tissue. Most women I know don’t even question this. Should they? I’ not at all sure I want to do them when that time comes.

    The things I do to take care of my boobies are;

    -Not wearing an underwire bra (unless it’s a party going on), since this stops the lymphatic flow. Wearing a soft bra or a tight t-shirt works just fine even If you have bigger boobies.

    -Making sure the deo I use does not have aluminiumsalts in it. You don’t want that going straight into the sensitive lymphatic system and into your breasts. Please Kris, make this your next mission in the make-up department. There are so many great ones out there.

    -Massaging my breasts every day in the shower. Makes it quick and easy.

  41. Lynn says:

    LOVE you both! Thanks!!

    XOXOX
    Lynn

  42. Tammy says:

    Thank you to you sexy, boobalicious ladies for this informative video. Love that your putting it out there. We must love ourselfies….. Much love

  43. Becky Ramsey says:

    Appreciate the exam. Don’t appreciate the headline, “I never thought I’d pink my my nipples
    on…”

  44. Kim Fleck says:

    Thanks ladies for making women’s health issue less scary for people.
    No fear~ all education and empowerment! You rock!

  45. Thank you so much for this video! I’ve known for years that I SHOULD do a breast check myself once a month but never felt I knew how and never did. This makes it so easy. The Check Your Self App makes it easy to remember. You did a great job changing my mind set towards keeping my boobies heathy. I’m ready to go! Thank you for your smiles too. I really enjoyed watching your radient faces so full of joy.

  46. Martina Wing says:

    I kept smiling and applauding both of you during this video!! Excellent information and excellent presentation.
    Just finished breast cancer treatment. Lump was found during annual exam, and yes, it could easily have been found earlier with this education and easy app to execute.
    Used to have 34G (big!) and BC surgery reduced to “Perfect C”, so if anyone reading this, I feel so good about myself and I am now in a space of thriving.
    Have a blessed day – Aloha from Hawaii

  47. Kimberly says:

    Kris,
    Thank you so much for the great tips and thank you for the reminder to check my boobies. I did my #checkyourselfie steps and am heading to the Apple store to grab the app for my iphone. What a great and amazing way to give us a reminder with tips for how to do our self checks easily.

    Big hugs!

  48. Cinzia says:

    Avoiding milk and yogurt has helped tremendously with breast tenderness, even organic milk has hormones so if you are probably “perfect” like 😉 me you may want give this a try, those extra hormones you don’t need will be enough to upset your system… it takes about one whole cycle to detox and feel the difference.

  49. Cheryl says:

    Thanks for infusing this process with love. I tell my girls every morning “I love you” unconditionally. I give them a morning massage to get lymphatic fluid moving, and do some braless rebounding. I don’t capture them (wear a bra) unless I’m going out in public so that they are free to express themselves. I take care of my body and feed it wisely (just like you). I don’t fear for their health which I think helps a lot.

    Bless you for making being a healthy woman fun!

  50. Thank you Kris and Shaney for putting this information out there in such a fun and respectful way. LOVED IT! Great video to share with my community. Many thanks.

  51. MIchelle says:

    This was so awesome and helpful! You two are my FAVE ladies about cancer prevention resources and this was such a fun video to gain better knowledge of doing a self check and sharing with other friends and loved ones. Big hugs for this and for all your creative ideas on making things fun!

  52. Jana says:

    What a great post, thank you!

  53. Glynis Joan Downey says:

    Thank you Kris & Shaney, although I have colorectal C I don’t check my boobies for a couple of reasons. 1 is that nasty old thing called fear & 2 my fear is worse because my sister has breast C I know that because of that it should make me more aware but I’m ashamed to say it has had the opposite effect on me. So seeing this today Kris has made me face those fears & do a selfie check so thank you again for helping to ease my fears. I will also show this to my sister. You are my hero Kris best wishes from the beautiful Emerald Isle, sending lots of Irish blessings to you & all your team. X

  54. Danica says:

    thank you so much for putting that video together and telling us about that cool reminder app. I followed along with the video and now know what to look for and where (who knew about your pits too?). Quick and easy! Thanks Ladies!!!!!

  55. Carolin says:

    Thanks for this! I try to do my check-up regularly but it’s always kind of scary…you don’t really want to do it because you don’t want to find anything… so it’s great to get a new fun perspective on this. Thank you!

  56. Karen says:

    I can’t find the app you were talking about. checkyourselfie doesn’t come up in the search in my iPhone app store.

  57. MaryKate says:

    Thank you so much for this wonderful video of explaining the proper way to do a self exam. I just lost my 44 year old sister last month to breast cancer. It is so important to catch this early! Know your body!!

  58. Betsy says:

    thank you for the reminder and the info…I can’t seem to find the app to put on my phone…if you can give this to me it would be appreciated. I sat here by my computer with my cup of tea and followed the directions for a check. Thank you!

  59. stephanie says:

    I am a 47 yr old woman who has NOT gotten a mammogram yet due to learning that they can also cause
    cancer, adding more radiation/stirring it up in their and truly not needed if I don’t have breast cancer in my family history. Wanted to know your thoughts on this please.

    thank you,
    stephanie

    • Laurie says:

      Same question, I’ve heard mammagraphies can cause cancer. Someone told me about thermo – but I can’t find it anywhere. any advice?

    • Christine Nagel says:

      Mammography is not as useful for women with fibrous breast tissue. I had yearly mammograms that never detected my cancer, although it did start the process of diagnosis when it found three microscopic grains of calcium, and indication that something was amiss. The tumor was confirmed by ultrasound. Luckily, my stage 2 diagnosis has a happy ending. My yearly follow up is an MRI with contrast. It’s an expensive test but it is more conclusive and doesn’t involve radiation.

      Whatever you decide, please do not postpone some sort of screening with your physician. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more likely you are to have a better outcome.

  60. James says:

    OMG ! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATIVE VIDEO. I LEARNED SO MUCH AND I PLAN TO TEACH ALL MY GIRLFRIENDS THESE IMPORTANT STEPS AND PASS ALONG YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO ALL OF THEM. NOT ONLY MIGHT THIS INFORMATION SAVE SOME LIVES, BUT IT WAS ALSO TREMENDOUS FUN TO WATCH. I TRULY ENJOYED IT!

  61. Maggie Briscoe says:

    Kris,
    My name is Maggie, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Her2+ breast cancer (right side only) in February of 2010. I had 12 rounds of Herceptin and Taxol followed by 4 rounds of A/C and then a mastectomy (unilateral, unfortunately) then 6 weeks of radiation followed by 9 months of Herceptin followed by Tamoxofin.
    I am writing to tell you that you and your book “Crazy, Sexy Cancer survivor” got my through all of that. It truly did. I think the book and yourself are amazing. It taught me how to go through it. To get angry first and then to surround myself with positive, healthy people and food.
    In October of 2013 I was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer in my lung and abdomen and then later left breast. I now follow you online and I am so grateful to have you in my life to show me how to go through all of this and to make me feel like it is all going to be alright. Thank you so much

    Best regards,
    Maggie Briscoe

  62. Angela Zimmerlé says:

    Thank you so much for this post!

  63. donna says:

    Is the app available for android?
    I don’t have an iphone…

  64. Emma says:

    This was awesome. Thank you so much Kris & Shaney. Big love, Exo

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