How to Self Examine for Breast Cancer
How to Self Examine for Breast Cancer Taking charge of your health starts with little steps. Self-examination for breast cancer is one such step that’s easy and quick. It helps you know your body and catch changes early on. Doing this once a month can be a smart move for all women.
This simple self-check brings peace of mind when everything feels normal. If you find something odd, it lets you act fast and talk to your doctor. Most times things turn out fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Many resources offer tips on how to do these checks at home. You’ll learn the right way to check every part of the breast area. With practice, it becomes a routine part of caring for yourself just like brushing your teeth or combing your hair.
Why Self Examine?
Self examination is like a personal alarm system for your health. By checking regularly, you get to know what’s normal for you. This way, if something changes, you will notice it quickly. Early detection of breast cancer can make all the difference.
Breast cancer is a concern many women share but self examine puts some power back in your hands. When done correctly and consistently, it can help catch issues before they grow big. You don’t need special tools or lots of time – just your own two hands.
Learning how to self examine is easy with plenty of guides available. Set aside a specific day each month to do this important check-up on yourself. It’s best to pick a day not too close to when your period starts as breasts can be tender then.
Remember that while self examination plays an important role, it’s not a substitute for medical screenings by professionals. Think of it as the first step in guarding against breast cancer – one that complements other health checks and tests suggested by doctors.
Step-by-Step Guide
Starting your self examination is best done in front of a mirror. Stand with arms at your sides and look for any changes in shape or size. Check the skin for rash, redness, or dimpling. Look closely at both nipples to see if there’s any discharge.
Next, raise your arms high above your head. Do the same visual checks as before. This new angle makes it easier to spot differences that you might have missed earlier on. It’s important to take your time and not rush this step.
Now let’s move on to feeling for any lumps or unusual areas. Use the pads of your fingers moving in small circles from the outer edge inward. Apply different levels of pressure: light, medium, and firm, over each area of breast tissue.
Lastly, repeat these steps while lying down because gravity shifts things differently when you’re flat on your back. Make sure to cover all ground by extending up into the armpit area where lymph nodes are located too.
Signs and Symptoms
When self-examining, a lump or mass is the sign most people know to look for. But not all lumps are cancerous, so don’t panic if you find one. These lumps can feel hard and may have uneven edges. They are often painless but still require a doctor’s check.
Other symptoms include changes in the size or shape of your breast. You might notice your skin puckering or dimpling like an orange peel. Inverted nipples or nipple discharge that starts suddenly should also be checked out by a professional.
Lastly, redness or flaky skin on the breast can signal something isn’t right. Swelling in all or part of the breast is another cue to visit your doctor. Remember, these signs don’t mean you have cancer for sure, but they do warrant medical advice.
When to Consult a Doctor
If during self examination you find a lump, it’s time to see your doctor. Don’t wait even if the lump doesn’t hurt or cause discomfort. Breast cancer often doesn’t hurt at first. Your doctor can decide if more tests are needed.
Changes in breast appearance should prompt a visit too. This could be dimpling, redness, or changes in skin texture that stay over time. Even slight changes are worth checking out for peace of mind and health safety.
Any unusual liquid from the nipple is another reason to consult healthcare professionals. It might be clear, milky, yellowish, or have blood in it. Any nipple discharge like this needs an expert’s view as soon as possible.
Swelling in your armpit or collarbone area also calls for medical advice because lymph nodes are close by these areas. If they swell without any clear reason such as infection, don’t delay seeing your doctor for their opinion.
Feeling constant pain in one spot on your breast isn’t normal either and requires attention from healthcare providers. A good rule is: anything new or different about how your breasts look or feel should lead you to professional guidance right away.,
How to Self Examine for Breast Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I perform a self examination?
A: It’s best to do it once a month. Try to pick the same time each month, ideally several days after your period ends.
Q: Can men get breast cancer and should they self examine too?
A: Yes, men can get breast cancer even though it’s rare. They should also be aware of changes in their chest area and consult a doctor if they notice anything unusual.
Q: At what age should I start doing self examinations?
A: Women are encouraged to start as early as their 20s. It helps build good habits for monitoring health over time.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
