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.
Shaney also reminded me of 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,
I collaborated with experts I’ve met through my experience with cancer and compiled a modern-day guide for navigating cancer with courage, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re a cancer patient, survivor, thriver, caregiver, or you’re interested in prevention, Your Cancer Guide was created with your needs in mind. Learn how this 7-step roadmap for prevention and recovery can help you in your cancer journey here.
I did it! Love you both…now off to download the app!
Nice job, Natalie! xo, kc
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
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
I’m so happy to hear that this video took the scary out! xo, kc
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
Wot – you kept your clothes on! Now some people will probably think they can examine their breasts fully clothed!
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.
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!! ?
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?.
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?
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
How about recomm for a great painless bra
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
This was truly amazing and filled with so much happiness and love! I am really grateful for this post!
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.
nice article. thank you form Turkey
How about recomm for a great painless bra
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!
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?
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!
thanks for sharing us :)))
Thank you, Kris and Shaney for this video. I will share it with my daughter.