3 STEPS TO EARLY DETECTION
Women are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.
Breast cancer can’t usually be prevented, but you can take 3 steps to detect it earlier. This can increase your chance of finding breast cancer before it spreads.
“forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important’
The best time to do a monthly self-breast exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts. Do it at the same time every month. Your breasts are not as tender or lumpy at this time of your monthly cycle.
However, experts do not agree with the benefits of breast self-exam in finding breast cancer or saving lives. Talk to your doctor as to whether self-breast exams are right for you
If you have gone through menopause, do your exam on the same day every month
HOW SHOULD A BREAST SELF-EXAM BE PERFORMED?
IN THE SHOWER
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any breast changes.
IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR
Inspect your breast with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high over your head.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling in the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, raise your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match- few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling in the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, raise your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match- few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.
particularly on one side.
LYING DOWN
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
RESULTS AND FOLLOW UP
If you find a lump or any worrisome changes, stay calm. Most self-exam findings are not signs of breast cancer. But you should still call your doctor if you notice any;
1) Change in the look, feel, or size of the breast.
2) Change in the look or feel of the nipples.
3) Dimpling or puckering of the skin
4) Lump, hard knot, or thick spot in the breast tissue.
5) Nipple discharge.
6) Nipples or others are pulling inwards.
7) Pain in one spot that won’t go away.
8) Rash on the nipple.
9) Swelling of one or both breasts.
10) Warmth, redness, or dark spots on the skin.
11) Visit a clinic, when a lump in the breast is noticed.
HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES IN YOUR BREAST RECENTLY?
Many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening, but some symptoms can be caught early just by being proactive about your breast health.
Performing a monthly breast self-exam will help you maintain breast health and detect early signs of disease. You can incorporate the steps of a breast exam into your regular routine, such as when you get ready for bed or take a shower. With each breast self-exam, you will become more familiar with your body. When you know what’s normal for you, you will become aware of when changes occur.
Keep your breast health in check by knowing the symptoms.
If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic – 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous.
For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.
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