Saving the world, one boobie at a time.

So we all know breast cancer is bad right? Well, did you know that the National Cancer Institute estimates that in the US in 2009, there will be over 192,00 new cases in women, 1,900 in men. They also estimate 40,170 deaths in women and 440 in men. That's a lot of boobies boys and girls, and there are ways we can lower the numbers.

For instance... The Breast Self Exam (BSE). Yes, I know all of you and your dirty minds are having a little giggle right now (I am too, don't worry), but aside from your yearly examinations by a doctor, this can be a very effective early warning system. And the key to the BSE is to know your boobies. Every breast feels different so you need to know what is normal for you... You could even enlist your partner in this.

So here's what you need to know. Breasts are naturally lumpy, so don't let that freak you out. If the lumpiness can be felt through the breast tissue it's not a worry, it's the ones that feel different from the rest of the breast that you should worry about. Still, don't freak if you feel something different, just call your doctor and get an exam. Lumps found in the breast may be cancer, although cysts and fibroadenomas can cause similar lumps.

Now, anyone over 20 should perform regular BSE's about a week after your period, so you're not tender. If you're not menstruating (i.e menopause) aim for the same day every month.

OK, so how do you perform a BSE? Well, it just so happens I'm about to tell you. According to eMedicinehealth there are a few ways to do it.

Facing a mirror

Stand before a mirror and compare both breasts for differences in size, nipple inversion (turning in), bulging, or dimpling. Note any skin or nipple changes, such as a hard knot or nipple discharge.

Inspect your breasts in the following 4 steps:

With your arms at your sides

With your arms overhead

With your hands on hips - Press firmly to flex your chest muscles.

Bent forward - Inspect your breasts.

In these positions, your pectoral muscles are contracted, and a subtle dimpling of the skin may appear if a growing tumor has affected a ligament.

Lying down

Right breast

Place a pillow under your right shoulder.

Put your right hand under your head.

Check the entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand.

Use small circles and follow an up-and-down pattern.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of the breast.

Feel the breast with the surfaces of the second, third, and fourth fingers, moving systematically and using small, circular motions from the nipple to the outer margins.

Gently squeeze the nipple for any discharge.

Left breast

Repeat these steps on your left breast using your right hand.

In the shower

A BSE can easily be performed while you're in the bath or shower. Some women discover breast masses when their skin is moist.

Raise your right arm.

With soapy hands and fingers flat, check your right breast.

Use the same small circles and up-and-down pattern described earlier.

Repeat on the left breast.

And that's how we do a BSE :) Easy right? And yeah, it might be a bit scary to examine yourself for lumps, cause what if you find one right? But early detection makes all the difference, so make sure you give those babies a little bit of extra attention once a month, and lets save the ta-tas!

(Don't forget to visit the Boobie Wednesday store and help us raise money for Breast Cancer Research :)