Breast Cancer-Early Detection And Treatment Options
Breast Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, and early detection and treatment are key to beating it. Breast Cancer: Understand The...
Breast cancer is a major concern for many women, and for good reason. It's estimated that 1 in 8 women can develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. While mammograms are an important tool in detecting breast cancer, they aren't foolproof. That's why it's crucial not to skip the step of performing regular breast self-exams.
The truth is that no one knows your body better than you do. By performing regular self-exams, you can become familiar with what is normal for your breasts and detect any changes early on. Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to successful treatment and survival rates.
What is a Breast Self-Exam?
A Breast self-exam is a way for you to check your own breasts to make sure they're healthy. You do this by using your hands to feel for any lumps or bumps in your breast tissue. It's kind of like a little check-up you can do at home.
It's important to do breast self-exams because they can help you catch any potential problems early, like if there's a lump that shouldn't be there. The earlier you catch something, the easier it usually is to treat.
You can do a breast self-exam once a month, around the same time each month. You should also talk to your doctor about when you should start doing breast self-exams and how to do them correctly. They can show you the proper technique to use and answer any questions you may have.
You can use this Step-by-Step Guide for Conducting an Exam
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look at your breasts to see if there are any changes in their shape or size, or if there are any skin changes, like redness or dimpling.
Raise your arms above your head and look at your breasts again. Check for the same changes as before.
Lie down on your back and put a pillow under your right shoulder. Use your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a circular motion, starting from the outer edge of your breast and moving towards the center. Make sure to cover the entire breast and feel for any lumps or bumps.
Use different levels of pressure when feeling your breast. Use light pressure to feel the tissue close to the skin, medium pressure to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure to feel the tissue close to the chest and ribs.
Squeeze your nipple gently to check for any discharge.
Repeat these steps on your left breast.
Finally, stand up and feel your breasts again while you're standing. Some lumps may only be noticeable in this position.
Symptoms to watch out for
When doing a breast self-exam, you should watch for the following signs and symptoms:
A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm: If you feel a lump or thickening that doesn't go away after your period, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Changes in breast size or shape: If you notice that one breast is bigger than the other, or that your breasts have changed in shape, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Dimpling or puckering of the skin: If you see any changes in the skin texture, like dimpling or puckering, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Nipple discharge: If you notice any discharge coming from your nipple, especially if it's bloody, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin: If you notice any redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Why Finding Issues Early Makes a Difference
Finding issues early during a breast self-exam is really important because it can help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. When breast cancer is caught early, it's often easier to treat and has a better chance of being cured.
If you find a lump or notice any changes during a breast self-exam, it's important to talk to your doctor right away. They can help you figure out what's going on and provide any necessary treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
By doing regular breast self-exams and talking to your doctor about any changes you notice, you can help catch any potential problems early and take action to protect your health. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health!
Recommended Schedule for Exams
It is recommended that women start getting regular mammograms at age 45, but it's a good idea to start talking to your doctor about breast cancer screening early on, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
As for breast self-exams, it's a good idea to start doing them regularly in your teens or early twenties. You should do a breast self-exam once a month, preferably a few days after your period ends.
If you notice any abnormal symptoms during your breast self-exam, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. One great option is to visit LifeCare Hospitals, which has highly expert gynaecologists who can help you with your breast health.
LifeCare Hospitals can provide you with a thorough evaluation and help you determine the best course of action based on your individual needs.
Remember, taking care of your breast health is an important part of staying healthy. So if you notice any abnormal symptoms during your breast self-exam, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.
