Breast self-examinations are a vital way to catch breast cancer early. This simple self-check helps you get to know your breasts’ usual look and feel so that you can spot any unusual changes.
Regular self-exams help you become familiar with your breasts’ normal state, making it easier to notice changes. Look for changes like retraction, more protrusion than usual or fluid secretion in your nipples. Watch for skin changes, especially if they affect only one breast. Regular checks mean you can monitor your breast tissue continuously and catch any new or unusual hard spots.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, arising from uncontrolled growth of breast cells that form a tumor. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are dangerous because they can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Starting at age 20, you should do a self-exam once a month, ideally a week after your menstrual cycle ends as your breasts go through hormonal changes monthly. Knowing your body helps you distinguish normal changes from potential issues.
A good self-exam has two parts: looking and feeling. Stand in front of a mirror and check for irregularities in shape, color changes, cracked nipples, skin ulcerations, or dimples and then feel your breast in small circles. Repeat this for each breast quadrant. Feel for any lumps or hard spots by pressing in a circular motion with increasing pressure.
During your self-exam, look for changes in the size or shape of your breasts, thickening or lumps in the breast or armpit, nipple discharge, or changes in the skin’s texture or appearance like dimples or depressions. Note any unusual sensations, nodules, or unexplained pain in the breast or armpit.
Self-exams don’t replace professional breast exams or tests like mammograms and ultrasounds, but doing them regularly can help catch cancer early, reducing the chance of late-stage diagnosis. If you spot any symptoms, see a healthcare professional right away.
