Breast self-examination — how to detect breast cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Women are at the highest risk of developing this disease. One of the ways of lowering it is prophylaxis, which also includes breast self-examination. Having this examination done regularly allows early detection of breast caner, and at the same time increasing chances of a full recovery.

Breast self-examination — breast cancer prevention?

Breast self-examination plays a fundamental role in the process of breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks to it, in case of detecting symptoms, it is possible to react quickly. Noticing changes in the breasts should be reported to the doctor, who will then perform a palpation examination. When the need arises, a further diagnostics can be performed. They consist in imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are primarily detected by women themselves.

Breast self-examination — steps

Successful breast self-examination only takes a few minutes and can be a lifesaver. Here are the three steps to a good self-examination:

Breast self-examination — standing

The test in this position can be performed almost anywhere. The only condition is to maintain an upright posture. It is often performed in the shower — water and soap facilitate the entire process. To perform the exam, you need to connect the fingertips of the 3 middle fingers and then move them in a circular motion — from the top to the bottom of the breast. In addition, the area around the breast should also be carefully examined, especially around the armpits where the lymph nodes are located. It is worth repeating these actions several times, gradually increasing the pressure of the hand.

Breast self-examination — in front of the mirror

This part of the study cannot be omitted. It allows you to visually assess the breasts. Look at them carefully, first with your arms at your sides, along your body, and then lifting your arms high above your head. What changes should you pay attention to? The changes that should be noted are:

• Contour change;
• Presence of puffiness;
• The appearance of a dimple;
• Wrinkling of the skin in part of the breast;
• Change in the appearance of the nipples (e.g., redness);

In the next step, place your hands on your hips and press them firmly. This works by tightening the muscles in your chest, which can make the changes in your breasts more visible. Keep in mind that breasts naturally vary in size from each other (sometimes more and sometimes less). A disturbing symptom may be a sudden change in their dimensions as well as the appearance of a large disproportion.

Breast self-examination — lying

Self-examination should also be done while lying down. To do this, place a pillow under your right shoulder, then lift your arm up and position it so that your hand lays above your head. With the left hand — or actually with the 3 fingertips — perform similar movements as in the case of the examination performed while standing. Thanks to this, any lump or thickening will be more palpable. After a careful examination of the right breast, the process should be repeated on the left breast.

Breast self-examination — recommendations

Self-tests should be carried out at least once a month. During its performance, special attention should be paid, inter alia, to lumps, thickenings, and harder structures within the lymph nodes. When examining, attention should also be paid to changes in the size and texture of the breasts. It is also worth changing the position of the hands by lifting them. Proper performance includes varying pressure — from light, through medium, and ending with strong pressure. A well-done breast self-examination includes all 3 steps. At first glance, making it seem time-consuming. However, this is a false assumption. With a really busy schedule, individual elements of the examination can be successfully performed at different times of the day.

Breast self-examination — when is the best time to do it?

It is crucial to perform this examination regularly. For people who are menstruating, it is best to do them each time on the same day of the cycle. The optimal moment is the first 5 days of the cycle. The fixed date allows you to know exactly the breast structures, the size, and structure of which may be subtly change in result of hormone influence at different stages of the cycle. Comparing the condition of the breasts with the same moments is more effective and more accurate.

Importance of breast self-examination

Breast cancer diagnosed early has a high survival rate. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the average 10-year survival rate is 84%, and the 5-year survival rate for non-metastatic breast cancer is 99%. Metastasis is associated with advanced stage cancer. The survival rate after metastases to other parts of the body is 22%. This is why it is so important to regularly perform breast self-examination, as well as other preventive examinations, such as mammography.

In case of sensing any disturbing signs during the examination, see a doctor as soon as possible.