Performing a self-check breast exam
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform a self-check breast exam at least once per month. A self-check breast exam can be performed in the shower, in front of a mirror or lying down.
Most breast changes are not due to breast cancer, however if any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with your doctor.
Signs and symptoms to be aware of
- A change in shape or size
- Redness or a rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
- Discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples
- A swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
- A change in texture (puckering or dimpling)
- Constant pain in your breast or your armpit
- A lump or thickening that is different from the rest of the breast tissue
- If your nipple becomes inverted or changes its position or shape
- Always check any other changes in your breasts with your doctor
Click here to view the Self-check Breast Exam which includes simple diagrams.
Or visit Know Your Lemons to learn more on how to preform self-breast checks.
Self-examination is not a substitute for regular mammogram screenings.
When is the last time you checked your breasts for signs of cancer?
Perhaps you’ve never done it? Perhaps you’re a man or a woman under 40 and don’t consider yourself at risk?
According to National Breast Cancer Foundation figures
1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
Steel Blue knows the importance of early detection for breast cancer and is committed to raising more awareness during the annual What a Pair campaign in May and throughout Breast Cancer Awareness in October to encourage people on how to perform self-checks.
"Regular self-checks are the simplest way to find lumps or abnormalities that might be of concern—and everyone should be doing them"
Early detection is incredibly important
“We also know early detection of breast cancer is incredibly important. That’s why Steel Blue includes a shower tag, that explains how to conduct a breast self-check, in every box of our pink and purple work boots.”
Steel Blue produces a range of work boots especially for women in trades.
Steel Blue is on track to provide $1.5 million in charitable donations to good causes between 2020 and 2025.
