Breast self-examinations are a crucial way to detect breast cancer early. They help you understand what’s normal for your breasts so you can spot any changes or irregularities quickly.
By doing regular self-exams, you get to know how your breasts usually look and feel. This makes it easier to notice if something changes, like finding a lump, which is often a sign of a potential tumor. These lumps are usually not painful but can be felt or seen. Pay attention to your nipples too鈥攖hey might pull in, stick out more, or leak fluid. Also, keep an eye on the skin of your breasts, especially if only one breast changes. Regular self-exams allow you to monitor your breast tissue and notice any new hard areas.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and happens when some breast cells start growing uncontrollably, forming a tumor. These tumors can be benign (like fibroadenomas or cysts) or malignant (carcinomas). Malignant tumors are dangerous because they can spread to nearby tissues and other body parts. Early detection through mammography and regular check-ups is key. Treatment options depend on how advanced and what type of cancer it is, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and biological therapies.
From age 20, you should do a self-exam every month, ideally one week after your period ends since hormonal changes can affect your breast structure. Knowing your body helps you tell the difference between normal changes and warning signs. If you’re pregnant or menopausal, timing is less critical, but you should still watch for skin changes, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape and consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
A self-exam has two steps: observation and palpation. Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in breast shape, skin color, cracked nipples, ulcerations, or dimples. Do this with your arms at your sides, raised, and with hands on your forehead while contracting your chest muscles. Use the inner parts of three joined fingertips to feel your breast in small circular motions, covering each quadrant of the breast. Increase pressure gradually to detect any nodules or hard areas in the tissue.
During a self-exam, check for changes in the size and shape of your breasts, lumps in the breast or armpit, nipple discharge, skin depressions, wrinkles, bumps, or dimples, and unusual sensations. Also, watch out for breast nodules, changes in nipple appearance, skin rashes or inflammation, and any unexplained pain.
Remember, self-exams are not a substitute for professional exams or tests like mammography and ultrasound. However, doing them correctly and regularly can help you catch cancer early, reducing the risk of a late diagnosis. If you notice any symptoms, consult a healthcare professional right away.
