Breast self-examination or frequently inspecting your breasts on your own maybe a helpful method for detecting breast cancer early. While no single test can identify all breast cancers early, Breastcancer.org claims that breast self-examination combined with other screening approaches can improve early detection chances.
There has been some controversy about the importance of breast self-examination in identifying breast cancer early and growing the probability of survival over the years. Breast self-examination, for example, has little effect on breast cancer survival rates and can even harm women by causing unnecessary biopsies, according to a 2008 study of approximately 400,000 women in Russia and China (removal and examination of suspicious tissue). The American Cancer Society no longer suggests breast self-exam as a screening method for women with an average risk of breast cancer due to the continued doubt posed by this and other research.
Breastcancer.org continues to believe that breast self-examination is a valuable and essential screening method, especially when combined with routine doctor visits, mammography, and, in some cases, ultrasound and/or MRI. Each of these screening tools has its collection of advantages and drawbacks. Breast self-examination is a simple, low-cost method that can be used at any age and regularly. As part of the breast cancer screening plan, we suggest that all women conduct breast self-exams regularly. -Step 1: Stand in front of the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips, staring at your breasts. Here are some things to look for: -Breasts that are the same size, shape, and color as they were before -Breasts with a uniform shape and no noticeable distortion or swelling Please notify your doctor if you see any of the following changes: -Skin that is dimpling, puckering, or bulging -An inverted nipple or a nipple that has shifted shape (pushed inward instead of sticking out) -Swelling, redness, soreness, or rash Step 2: Lift your arms and test them for the same adjustments. Step 3: Check the nipples in the mirror for any signs of fluid leakage from one or both of them (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood). Step 4: Now, when lying down, feel your breasts with your right hand on your left breast and your left hand on your right breast. Hold your fingers flat and together when applying a strong, smooth touch to the first few finger pads of your hand. Create a quarter-sized circular motion with your hands. Starting from your collarbone to the top of your belly and from your armpit to your cleavage, cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side. To ensure that you cover the entire breast, follow a pattern. You can start with the nipple and work your way outwards until you hit the breast’s outer edge. Imagine like you are mowing a lawn; you can also shift your fingers vertically in rows. Most women seem to respond best to an up-and-down approach. Feel all of the tissue in your breasts, from the front to the back: gentle pressure for the tissue and skin just beneath; medium pressure for the tissue in the center of your breasts; firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. You should be able to feel it down to your ribcage until you’ve hit the deep tissue. Step 5: Finally, while standing or sitting, feel your breasts. Many women choose to make this move in the shower because it is simpler to feel their breasts when their skin is slippery and wet. Using the same hand motions as in step 4, cover your entire breast. What to do if you come across a lump? Click next to continue reading If you think you lump in your breast, don’t be alarmed. Most women lumpy areas in their breasts at some point in their lives and the majority of these lumps start to be benign (not cancer). Non-cancerous breast lumps can be caused by various factors, including natural hormonal changes, a mild breast disease, or an injury. If you find a lump or other fresh and troubling breast alteration, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. This is particularly true if the changes last longer than one menstrual cycle or seem to be becoming more significant or more pronounced in some way. If you menstruate, wait until after your cycle and see if the lump or other breast shift goes away on its own before seeing your doctor. Your gynecologist, primary care doctor, or nurse practitioner who works with your gynecologist or primary care doctor are the best people to contact because they know you and have done a breast exam on you before. The five steps to performing a breast self-exam:
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