3 breast cancer self-screening methods to help you detect problems early
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the U.S., but when detected early, it can often be treated more effectively. Regular self-examinations are a simple yet powerful way to help detect any unusual changes in your breasts, which could be an early sign of breast cancer. While self-exams cannot replace professional screenings like mammograms, they are an essential tool for becoming familiar with your own breast tissue and identifying potential concerns early.
This article will provide an overview of the most common methods of breast cancer self-examination, along with detailed instructions to help you perform them effectively. We will also discuss when to seek professional help if you notice any changes or abnormalities.
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Why is Breast Cancer Self-Examination Important?
Breast cancer is often most treatable when caught early. By performing regular self-exams, you become more familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, which makes it easier to spot any changes. These changes could be potential warning signs of breast cancer or other health issues. Early detection can lead to earlier treatment, which improves the chances of successful recovery.
1. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Steps
Breast self-exams are a straightforward way to check for lumps, pain, or other changes. It’s recommended to do a self-exam once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual period ends, as this is when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender.
Step-by-Step Guide for Performing a Breast Self-Examination:
(1) Standing in Front of a Mirror
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides.
Look for changes in shape or size of your breasts. Pay attention to any dimpling, redness, or swelling.
Raise your arms over your head and look for any changes in the appearance of your breasts, such as unevenness or sinking areas that were not present before.
Check your nipple area for any changes in texture, such as a discharge (other than breast milk), inversion, or scaling.
(2) Lying Down
Lie flat on your back with a pillow under your shoulder, this will help spread out your breast tissue for a better examination.
Use your right hand to check your left breast and your left hand to check your right breast.
Use the pads of your fingers, not your fingertips, to gently press down on your breast tissue.
Move your fingers in a circular motion, starting from the outside of the breast and moving toward the center. You should apply light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for lumps at different depths of the breast tissue.
Don’t forget to check the underarm and up to the collarbone, as breast tissue extends into these areas.
(3) Check for Nipple Discharge
Gently squeeze your nipple to check for any discharge. Normal discharge may occur during breastfeeding, but if you notice clear, bloody, or greenish fluid, it’s important to contact your doctor for further evaluation.
2. The Touch and Feel Method
In addition to the self-exam steps above, regularly touching your breast tissue helps you become more familiar with the normal texture and shape of your breasts. This way, you’ll be able to identify any lumps, pain, or hard areas that might not be visible.
How to Perform the Touch and Feel Method:
Use the pads of your fingers (not the tips) and move in circular, up-and-down, or vertical motions to check the entire breast, including the upper, outer areas and the underarm.
Pay attention to hard or rubbery lumps in the breast tissue, as these may indicate a problem.
Check your breasts regularly to monitor any changes over time.
3. Changes in the Skin and Nipple Area
Certain changes in the skin or nipple may signal a potential issue. These are often visible and can be seen during the initial visual inspection.
What to Look For:
Skin Changes: Dimpled skin or changes that look like “orange peel” skin texture.
Redness: Skin that’s red or inflamed around the breast or nipple area.
Nipple Changes: Inverted or retracted nipples (nipples that have turned inward), scaling, or unusual discharge.
If you notice any of these changes, it is essential to seek professional evaluation as soon as possible.
4. When to Seek Medical Help
While many of the changes detected through self-exams may not be cancerous, it’s essential to report any new lumps or persistent changes to your doctor for further investigation. You should consult a healthcare professional if you notice any of the following:
- A lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue or a lump that has changed over time.
- Unexplained nipple discharge, especially if it's blood-tinged or occurs without any obvious reason.
- Skin changes on the breast, including redness, irritation, or dimpled skin.
- Pain that doesn't go away or pain that doesn’t coincide with your menstrual cycle.
Even though most breast lumps are not cancerous, it’s always better to be cautious and get an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional.
5. Professional Screening and Exams
While self-exams are crucial for early detection, they are not a replacement for regular mammograms or clinical breast exams performed by a healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 40 schedule a mammogram every year. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to start screenings earlier or have more frequent exams.
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Conclusion
Breast cancer self-examination is an easy and effective way to monitor your breast health. By regularly performing self-exams, you can detect changes early and seek medical attention if necessary. However, self-exams should be combined with regular professional screenings, such as mammograms, to ensure comprehensive breast health monitoring.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your breast health, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. Early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes, and your health is worth the attention and care.
