How to Check Your Breasts for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a concern for many, but checking your breasts can help. It’s a simple process you can do at home. Each month, take some time to go through the steps of self-examination. By doing this regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel.
Knowing what is normal for you helps in spotting changes early on. Early detection increases the chance of successful treatment. So it’s good to be aware and proactive about your breast health. A routine check doesn’t take long, and it could save your life.
If during a check you find something unusual, don’t panic right away. Most changes are not due to cancer but getting checked by a doctor is crucial. They can tell if further tests are needed or give peace of mind if everything’s fine.
Why is Self-Examination Important?
Self-examination plays a key role in women’s health. It helps to check breasts for any unusual signs. This can lead to catching breast cancer early when it’s most treatable. Early detection could mean simpler treatments and better outcomes.
Regular self-checks make you familiar with your own body. When you know how your breasts feel normally, spotting changes becomes easier. Changes might include lumps or differences in texture or shape. If you notice anything off during self-examination, it’s important to see a doctor.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. But survival rates are high when found early. That’s why checking your breasts every month is so vital. Make this simple step part of your routine for better peace of mind.
Doctors also stress the importance of regular self-exams as part of overall breast care. While other screening methods like mammograms are valuable, they’re usually annual tests. Self-examination fills in the gaps between these checks and keeps you attentive to your health each month.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Examination
To begin self-examination, choose a comfortable place with good light. Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Look for any changes in size, shape, or color of your breasts. Check for visible distortion or swelling that seems out of the ordinary.
Next, raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes. Also watch for any fluid coming out from the nipples that is watery, milky, or yellowish in color. This step helps you check breasts from different angles to spot any irregularities.
Now feel your breasts while lying down using a firm touch with the first few fingers of your hand. Keep fingers flat and together as you move gently over each breast. Use small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit too.
Lastly, feel your breasts while standing up or sitting—many find this easiest to do while showering. Make sure to cover all the breast tissue again like you did when lying down. If during these steps you notice anything unusual such as lumps or thickening areas different than surrounding tissue make an appointment with a healthcare professional right away.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
When you check breasts monthly, be aware of new lumps or masses. A lump that’s painless, hard, and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancerous. But sometimes cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded too. It’s important to get checked if you find a new mass.
Other signs include a change in the size or shape of your breast. You might notice dimpling or puckering of the skin on your breast. An inverted nipple or one that has changed position can also be a warning sign. Redness or soreness that doesn’t go away is another symptom to take seriously.
Discharge from the nipples can also indicate an issue if it’s not breast milk. Look out for this especially if it starts suddenly and only affects one breast. If you feel any swelling under your arm or around your collarbone, it could mean cancer has spread there too. These symptoms don’t always mean it’s cancer but checking with a doctor is crucial for early detection and peace of mind.
How to Check Your Breasts for Breast Cancer: When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you notice a persistent lump in your breast or underarm after self-examination, see a doctor. This is especially true if the lump doesn’t change with your menstrual cycle. A healthcare professional can provide further evaluation and tests if needed for breast health.
Changes such as skin irritation or dimpling should prompt medical advice. Look out for breast pain that’s not related to your period. If you have nipple changes like inversion or redness, make an appointment too. These signs may require more than just regular checks at home.
It is important to consult a professional if there’s discharge from one nipple alone. Clear, bloody, yellowish, or milky discharge could signal underlying issues beyond routine changes. Even without lumps present, this symptom warrants attention from someone trained in women’s health.
Swelling of the breasts can sometimes occur without any discomfort. But if it persists and seems unrelated to your menstrual cycle, get it looked at by a specialist quickly for peace of mind and early detection measures.
Lastly, any new feeling of thickness or fullness in part of the breast calls for expert input too. It’s crucial not to wait until symptoms worsen before seeking help because timing can be key when dealing with potential breast cancer situations.
How to Check Your Breasts for Breast Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I perform a breast self-examination?
A: Most experts recommend checking your breasts once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends.
Q: At what age should I start doing self-examinations for breast cancer?
A: Women are encouraged to begin self-examinations in their 20s and to continue as they get older.
Q: Can men get breast cancer, and should they check their breasts too?
A: Yes, men can also get breast cancer. They should report any changes or lumps to their healthcare provider immediately.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
