Breast self-examinations are a vital method for detecting breast cancer early. This simple practice helps you get to know your breasts’ usual feel and appearance, so you can spot any changes early on.
The Purpose of Self-Examinations
Doing regular self-exams helps you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, allowing you to notice any changes right away. One common sign of a potential issue is finding a lump, which usually isn’t painful but can be felt or even seen.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your nipples for any changes like retraction, increased protrusion, or fluid secretion. Changes in the skin, especially if they only affect one breast, should also be noted. Regular self-exams enable you to continuously monitor your breast tissue and identify any new hardened areas that weren’t there before.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women. It happens due to the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of certain breast cells, forming a tumor. These tumors might be benign (like fibroadenomas or cysts) or malignant (carcinomas). Malignant tumors are particularly dangerous because they can grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Early detection is possible through regular mammograms and check-ups based on your age and medical history. Treatment options and recovery prospects depend on the stage and specific characteristics of the cancer at diagnosis. Current treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and biological therapies.
When to Perform Self-Examinations
Starting at age 20, you should do a breast self-exam once a month, ideally a week after your menstrual cycle ends. This timing helps account for the hormonal changes that affect your breast tissue. Familiarity with your breasts’ normal state helps you notice any worrisome changes.
If you’re pregnant or menopausal, the timing is less strict, but you should still be vigilant for signs like skin changes, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape. Any of these symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor.
How to Conduct a Self-Examination
A self-exam has two steps: observation and palpation.
Observation: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders relaxed and arms at your sides. Look for any irregularities in breast shape, skin color changes, cracked nipples, or skin that looks dimpled or ulcerated. Repeat the observation with your arms raised and again with your hands placed on your forehead while contracting your pectoral muscles.
Palpation: Use the inner parts of three joined fingertips to feel your breast in small circular motions. Cover each part of your breast, applying gradually more pressure. This helps you detect any nodules or areas of hardening.
What to Look Out For
During a self-exam, watch for changes in the size or shape of your breasts, thickening or lumps in the breast or armpit, bloody or fluid discharge from the nipples, skin depressions or dimples, and unusual sensations.
Other signs include nodules in the breast, changes to the nipple鈥檚 appearance, skin inflammation or rashes on the areola, and unexplained pain in the breast or armpit.
Although a self-exam isn’t a replacement for professional exams or tests like mammograms and ultrasounds, doing them regularly can help with early cancer detection, reducing the likelihood of advanced-stage diagnoses. If you notice any of these signs, see a healthcare professional right away.
