Aware® Breast Self Exam - detect breast changes with up to 70% more sensitivity
By carrying out regular breast self-examinations, you will get to know your breasts and understand what is normal for you, so you can recognise any changes promptly and seek help. Performing breast self-checks in conjunction with other screening methods, e.g. clinical exams by a physician and periodic mammograms, can increase the chance to detect breast cancer early.
The Aware® Self Exam is a revolutionary way to enhance the ability to feel changes in breast tissue easily during self-examination.
The Aware Pad is a medical device, consisting of two skin-safe membranes with lubricant sealed in between. When you place your fingers on the Aware Pad and press firmly against it, your fingers will glide smoothly across your breast.
The pad reduces friction between your fingers and your breasts and may provide for an easier and more comfortable exam. The Aware Pad increases your sense of touch, providing 70% increase in lump detection vs. bare hand.
The Aware Self Exam Pad is reusable and can be used for up to 18 months.
Already launched in the US with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) clearance, the Aware Breast Self Exam Pad is suitable for women of all ages including those with augmented breasts post-mastectomy and who are breastfeeding.
Step 1 - Begin your breast self exam while standing in front of a well-lighted mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look at your breasts and compare them.
- Do your breasts have their usual size, shape and colour without visible distortion or swelling?
- Are there any skin changes such as dimpling or puckering, redness, rash or swelling?
- Did the nipples change position or is there an inverted nipple?
- Is there any discharge if you gently squeeze the nipple between the thumb and index finger?
Then place your palms on your hips and press down firmly, flexing your chest muscles. Check again for any changes.
Step 2 - Raise your arms and look for the same changes. Do your breasts follow the movement?
Check yourself from the front and from the sides. Do you see retractions or bulges?
Step 3 - Gently squeeze the nipples between the thumb and index finger and look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples. This could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood.
Step 4 - Feel your breasts while lying on your back. Place a pillow under your left shoulder or your left arm under your head. It will help to spread the breast tissue over your chest wall.
Begin with a barehanded examination: Use your right hand to feel your left breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion. Examine every part of your breast and armpit, feeling for a lump or hardness. Follow a pattern, e.g. vertical strips, to be sure that you cover the whole breast.
When using your Aware® Self Exam Pad, to aid you in self-checking your breasts for lumps or changes, the tactile sensitivity will be increased while your fingers will glide smoothly across your breasts. The pad reduces friction between your fingers and your breasts and may provide for an easier and more comfortable exam. Add the following steps to your breast self-examination.
Always follow the instructions provided in the package with the test.
Step 5 - Place the Aware® Pad over your left breast with your fingers flat. Press firmly on the Aware® Pad and slide over every part of your breast and armpit feeling for a lump or hardness. Use a circular motion. Follow a pattern, e.g. vertical strips, to be sure that you cover the whole breast.
Then perform both the bare-handed and Aware® Pad exam on your right breast.
Step 6 - Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. This exam repeats the procedure from step 4 and 5, so should be performed both with and without the Aware® Pad on the right and left breasts.
Any noticeable change during either the barehanded breast exam or using the Aware® Pad, should be reported to your doctor for proper evaluation.
Note: The Aware Pad is an aid to breast self-exams. However, this product makes no explicit claim to find breast cancer, breast lumps or any other type of breast disease. Aware should be used in conjunction with regular medical visits and periodic ultrasound/mammography.
“Most women's breasts have lumps and bumps in them, and it is important for a women to do self-breast exams, so that she knows where her normal lumps and bumps are. So that if there is ever a new lump, she will be the first one to find it and seek a doctor's attention.”
Benjamin Goldman, M.D., North Shore University Hospital
Guide For Your Breast Self Exam - Look And Feel
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