What Does Breast Cancer Feel Like on Self-Exam
What Does Breast Cancer Feel Like on Self-Exam Breast cancer is a health concern for many people around the world. When you learn how to check your body, you take control of your well-being. A self-exam for breast cancer starts with knowing what feels normal. Then, understand changes that may happen in your breasts over time.
Finding out about breast lumps can be scary at first. But not all lumps mean there’s cancer. Doing regular checks helps you know when something’s different. If you find a change during a self-exam, it’s important to see a doctor soon.
Feeling confident about checking yourself is key to early detection of issues. There are steps and tips that make doing self-exams easier and more effective. If anything seems off or makes you worry, talking to your doctor is the best next step.
What is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in women than men. Knowing about breast cancer is key for early detection. When found early, treatment has a better chance of working well.
Self-exams are tools you can use to find signs of breast cancer at home. Look and feel for changes like lumps or thick spots. Also watch for dimples on the skin or fluid from the nipple. These could be symptoms you need to talk about with your doctor.
Early detection means finding breast cancer before it grows big or spreads. If you catch signs early, there are more ways to deal with them. Many times, outcomes are better when action is taken soon after finding changes.
Understanding what normal feels like helps spot differences during self-exams. Each month check yourself at the same time since breasts change over cycles. Keep track of how things feel so any new feeling stands out clearly as different.
Performing a Self-Exam
A breast self-exam is a step-by-step approach to check your breasts for changes. Start by looking in a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Here, you’re checking for any unusual size, shape or color changes. Notice if there’s dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.
The next step is to raise your arms and look for the same changes while standing up. It’s also good to look for any fluid coming out of one or both nipples. This can be water, milky, yellow fluid or blood. It’s important to see these signs when performing a self-exam.
Now it’s time to feel your breasts while lying down using firm pressure with flat fingers in a circular motion around each breast. Move from the outside toward the center covering all areas of your breast and armpit too. Remember to use different levels of pressure so you can feel all parts of the breast.
Feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting; some people find that easier in the shower because hands glide smoothly over wet skin. Keep following this routine monthly so you become familiar with how your breasts normally feel and can notice any change promptly if it occurs.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The signs of breast cancer are not the same for everyone. The most common sign is a new lump or mass in the breast that feels hard and has uneven edges. You might also feel a painless, firm round lump. While lumps can be scary, they are not always cancer.
Other symptoms to look out for include swelling of part or all of your breast even without a distinct lump felt. Your skin may get red or start to pit like an orange peel’s surface. Any change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast should alert you.
Nipple changes can also signal something isn’t right; this could be turning inward when it normally sticks out. Other times there might be nipple discharge other than milk which can often be bloody. If you notice any rashes around nipples similar to eczema that don’t go away easily, consult with your doctor.
When to Consult Your Doctor
If you notice a lump in your breast that’s new and doesn’t go away after your next period, call your doctor. Even if past checks were normal, a new lump should be evaluated by a professional. Many lumps are not cancer, but it’s worth getting checked out for peace of mind.
Changes in the skin over the breasts like dimpling or puckering are reasons to talk to your doctor. These signs can sometimes point to breast cancer. It is essential to report these changes during or after self-exams so that they can be assessed properly.
Nipple changes such as an inward turn or nipple discharge especially if it’s bloody or clear should prompt a visit to the doctor. This could indicate an abnormality within the breast tissue. Nipple discharge in someone who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding isn’t typically normal.
Persistent pain in one spot on your breast or underarm area lasting more than one full menstrual cycle is also notable. While many experience cyclic breast discomfort, constant pain warrants medical attention. It’s better to have persistent pain checked out rather than waiting it out without consulting.
Lastly, any other unusual signs not previously mentioned here but observed should lead you to consult with your healthcare provider soonest possible time frame. Keep records of what you find during self-exams; this information will help when discussing symptoms with doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I do a breast self-exam?
A: It’s best to perform a breast self-exam once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends when breasts are less likely to be swollen.
Q: What time of the month is best for doing a self-exam?
A: For those menstruating, several days after your period ends is ideal. If you don’t have periods, choose a day each month that’s easy to remember.
Q: Can men get breast cancer and should they also do self-exams?
A: Yes, men can get breast cancer although it’s rare. Men should report any changes in their chest area to their doctor promptly.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
