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• Learn why practicing breast self-awareness is a simple, powerful act of self-advocacy and empowerment.

• Get a step-by-step guide on how to perform a 5-minute self-exam, including what to look for (the visual check) and what to feel for (the manual check).

• Tip: Knowledge is a gift that's meant to be shared. Forward this email to a friend you care about to help spread this potentially life-saving information.

Hey everyone!

When I was going through my battle with breast cancer, I realized pretty quickly that I had to be my own number one advocate. And a huge part of that advocacy is awareness. 

I’m not talking about a rigid you-must-do-this kind of exam. I’m talking about breast self-awareness, which is really just a fancy way of saying, having a regular conversation with your body.   

It’s about learning what your normal looks and feels like. Our bodies are always changing, and this practice is just about tuning in, paying attention, and building a relationship of trust with yourself.  

Why does this matter so much? Because nobody knows your body better than you do. You are your own first line of defense. 

So think of a breast exam as an act of empowerment and becoming an active participant in your own health. And when you find something early, it gives you options.

My biggest resource when I was diagnosed with breast cancer was other women. It was the survivors, the thrivers, and the caregivers who had walked this path before me that gave me strength and hope.

That is why I created Cancer Crew +.

Cancer Crew + is a place you can come with your questions, your fears, and your stories, and be met with ‘I understand, ' and ‘I've been there, too.’ 

You don't have to navigate this journey of self-discovery alone. If you're not a member yet, I want to personally invite you to join us. We have more guides like this, a forum to ask questions, and a whole network of people who just get it.

A Simple Guide to Breast Self-Awareness

So, how do we practice this conversation with our body? It's simple. In this guide I will lay out exactly what you can do and what you need to look for in the comfort of your own home. 

1. The Visual Check (With Your Eyes)

Stand in front of a mirror, shirtless and braless. Be kind to yourself. This is about learning, not judging.

• Step 1: Arms at Your Sides. Stand with your arms relaxed. Just look at your breasts. Notice their usual size, shape, and color.   

• Step 2: Arms Overhead. Raise your arms high above your head. Look for any changes in shape or symmetry.   

• Step 3: Hands on Hips. Place your hands firmly on your hips and press down, flexing your chest muscles. Look for any changes in contour or any puckering or dimpling.   

2. The Manual Check (With Your Hands)

This is the part where you learn by touch. The key is to use the pads (not the tips) of your three middle fingers. On every single spot, use three different levels of pressure before moving on.  

• Light pressure: To feel the tissue just under the skin.   

• Medium pressure: To feel a little deeper.   

• Firm pressure: To feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs.   

You can do this two ways (or both):

What to Notice

Again, you are just looking for changes from your normal. And please remember, many changes you find are not cancer. But knowledge is power. 

Here are things to be aware of:   

Changes to See (Visual)

Changes to Feel (Tactile)

• A new, hard lump or "knot"    

• A thick spot or any change that feels different    

• Persistent lumpiness in one specific area    

• Anything that just feels new or unusual to you

• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit    

• Nipple pain or changes in sensation

Finding a change can be scary. Trust me, I've been there. But remember, the purpose of this practice isn't to scare you, it's to connect you. 

You are your own best advocate.

With heart,
Carli
Founder of The Cancer Crew

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