Cou Cou's Guide To Breast Self-Examintaion

We invite you to follow this guide to breast self-examination featuring step-by-step instructions, collaboratively written with a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.

It's designed to encourage breast health education and raise awareness around the importance of early detection, as well as breast cancer in general, with an estimated two million women diagnosed each year worldwide.

Self-examination can help raise awareness, and regular doctor's visits are encouraged.

It's important to check your breasts once a month, ideally 5-8 days after your period starts. If you're not menstruating, you can pick any date.

Stand in front of the mirror, and look to see if there's any change in size, shape, colour and position of your breasts and nipples.

Raise your arms, and examine yourself again, looking closely for any lumps of swelling, redness or rash. Do the same with your hands on your hips.

Next, use the pads of three or four fingers to…

Gently squeeze each nipple, checking for pain or discharge.

Examine your armpit, with your other arm raised.

To check your breast, start at the outer edge and move towards the nipple, covering as small a section at a time as you can.

Do the same moving your fingertips up and down, then in round movements, starting from the outermost part of your breast.

Repeat the same steps, this time lying on your back. Use a pillow under the shoulder if you'd like.

If you have any questions, doubts, or abnormalities, please visit your doctor. Self-exams are recommended for women over the age of 20, and mammograms annually after 40. Take care of yourself.

Giving Back

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 100% of profits on all pink bras purchased throughout the month of October will go towards BCPP, to help prevent breast cancer now and for future generations.

Cou Cou is dedicated to supporting women’s health, first and foremost through its products: organic cotton intimates and elevated essentials for everyday, that don’t compromise comfort for confidence and style.

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) is a national organization working to eliminate known risk factors linked to breast cancer, such as toxic chemicals and environmental exposures.

It’s the organization's mission to reduce preventable risk factors linked to breast cancer, therefore saving lives and preventing the disease before it starts.

Learn more