You may not be aware that performing a breast self-exam is an essential step in taking charge of your breast health. Feeling unsure about how to start or what to look for can be common concerns. By understanding the simple techniques and frequency of self-exams, you equip yourself with a powerful tool for early detection and maintaining your well-being.
Purpose of Breast Self-Exams
Performing routine breast self-checks is crucial in maintaining proactive breast health and detecting any changes early on.
The primary goal of self-checks is to make sure that any irregularities are identified early, leading to timely medical intervention if needed. By incorporating breast self-checks into your routine, you contribute to a thorough approach to breast health that complements other screening methods, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams.
How Frequently Should I Do a Breast Self-Exam
Performing monthly self-checks is crucial for all adult women to effectively detect any changes in their breasts early on. Setting aside a specific day each month for your self-check helps establish a regular habit and increases the chances that you’re able to notice any changes in the shape and condition of your body,
Menopausal women should allocate a specific day each month for their self-check to ensure a regular routine. This monthly frequency allows for a thorough evaluation of breast health and facilitates the early detection of any concerning changes.
Common Signs to Detect Breast Cancer
Source: Harley Street Medical Center.
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or breast.
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk).
- Pain in the breast or underarm.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you notice any changes in your breasts, consult with a doctor for a proper evaluation.
Techniques for a Breast Cancer Self-Exam
Reclining is the best position for a self-breast check. It spreads out breast tissue evenly, making it easier to detect abnormalities. Gravity helps flatten the tissue, aiding in the detection of lumps or changes. This position offers comfort and control for a thorough inspection. Including the armpits and nipples in the check is vital. For a detailed self-breast check, reclining guarantees accuracy and thoroughness in examining for any changes.
Here are essential techniques to follow—
- Use the pads of your fingers: Avoid using just the fingertips to ensure you can feel the entire breast area properly.
- Employ circular motions: Move your fingers in a circular pattern around the breasts and armpits to cover all areas thoroughly.
- Vary pressure levels: Apply light, medium, and firm pressure during the exam to detect any unusual changes effectively.
Identify potential breast abnormalities by observing for lumps, changes in size or shape, skin irregularities, nipple variations, and persistent pain during a self-exam.
- Look for any lumps or thickening in the breast or underarm area, as these could be early signs of a potential issue.
- Be aware of changes in breast size or shape, along with skin irregularities such as dimpling, puckering, or bulging, which may indicate an abnormality.
- Take note of any nipple changes like inversion, discharge, or redness, and be mindful of persistent pain or tenderness in the breast.
Benefits of Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for improving a woman’s chances of successful treatment and overall well-being. Here’s why catching breast cancer early is so important:
- Increased Survival Rates: The most significant benefit is the dramatic increase in survival rates. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate jumps to an impressive 99% [National Breast Cancer Foundation]. This means there’s a much higher chance of complete recovery.
- Less Aggressive Treatment: Early detection often means the cancer is smaller and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. This allows for less aggressive treatment options like lumpectomy (removal of the tumor only) followed by radiation therapy. This can significantly improve a woman’s quality of life after treatment.
- Reduced Side Effects: Aggressive treatments like extensive surgery and chemotherapy can come with a range of side effects. Early detection allows for less intensive treatments, potentially minimizing these side effects and their impact on a woman’s daily life.
Blood Test for Breast Cancer Detection
To enhance your breast health monitoring, incorporating additional screening methods alongside regular self-exams, such as clinical breast exams, is essential for a thorough approach to early detection.
A blood test like BRCA testing is a reliable option to detect breast cancer early. BRCA1 testing is a genetic test that looks for mutations in the BRCA1 gene. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that produce proteins involved in repairing damaged DNA in cells. With just a simple blood test and DNA analysis, doctors can identify the risk of certain cancers.
You can also seek a second opinion from one of our doctors who can perform a clinical physical examination to confirm any findings and investigate other abnormalities.
Breast Examinations at Dr Prevents in KL & Selangor
Although the patient can perform a self-examination, only a doctor can determine whether the lump is normal or not. We recommend a clinical examination at least once a year. If you suspect that you may be experiencing symptoms, make an appointment to discuss further with our doctors.