Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and early detection is critical to improving treatment outcomes. One of the simplest ways to monitor your breast health is by performing self-breast exams at home. This blog will share critical breast cancer facts about when to start self-breast exams and a detailed guide.
Breast Cancer Facts Everyone Should Know
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime, making it a serious health concern. While early detection through regular mammograms is crucial, self-breast exams can play an essential role in helping women become familiar with how their breasts usually look and feel so that any changes can be quickly reported to a healthcare professional.
Here are some key statistics:
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
- However, when breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
- Most cases of breast cancer are found in women over 50, but younger women can also be affected.
These facts highlight why early detection is vital and why women should be proactive about their breast health, starting with regular self-breast exams.
When Should You Start Performing Self-Breast Exams?
Healthcare professionals recommend that women begin performing self-breast exams in their 20s. It’s ideal to do them monthly to familiarize yourself with your breast tissue and quickly notice any unusual changes. The best time to perform a self-breast exam is a few days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender.
For postmenopausal women, choosing a consistent day each month for self-exams can help you maintain regularity.
How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple, effective way to perform a self-breast exam that only takes a few minutes each month:
- Start by Looking
Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips. Look at your breasts to check for any visible changes, such as:
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Inverted nipples (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
- Redness, swelling, or rash-like patches
It’s normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other, but any sudden or significant changes should be reported to your healthcare provider.
- Raise Your Arms
Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes. Pay attention to the contour and shape of your breasts and nipples.
- Check for Fluid
Check if there is any fluid coming out of one or both nipples. This could be watery, milky, yellow fluid, or blood. If you notice any discharge and you’re not breastfeeding, this should be addressed with a doctor.
- Feel Your Breasts While Lying Down
To feel your breasts more thoroughly, lie down on your back. This position spreads the breast tissue more evenly, making it easier to feel for abnormalities.
Follow these steps:
- Use the pads of your fingers and move them in small, circular motions, covering the entire breast area from top to bottom and side to side.
- To ensure you cover all areas, you can follow a pattern, such as moving in a circular motion starting from the nipple outward or using vertical strips.
- Be sure to check from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage.
- Feel Your Breasts While Standing or Sitting
Many women find it easiest to feel their breasts while their skin is wet and slippery, such as during a shower. Cover your entire breast using the hand movements described above to feel for any lumps or unusual thickening.
When feeling your breasts, take note of:
- Lumps, hard knots, or thickened areas
- Any areas that feel different from the rest of your breast tissue
- Unexplained changes in texture or size of your breast or underarm tissue
Most women have some lumps in their breasts due to hormonal changes or benign conditions like cysts. Still, anything unusual or new should be discussed with your doctor.
What to Do If You Find Something Unusual
If you notice any changes during your self-breast exam, don’t panic. Many breast changes are harmless and due to natural fluctuations in your body. However, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider if you find:
- A new lump or mass
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts
- Persistent pain in one spot that doesn’t go away after your period
Your doctor may suggest additional screenings, such as a mammogram or an ultrasound, to get a clearer picture of what’s happening. Early intervention is critical; prompt evaluation can help catch potential issues early.
Self-breast exams are a simple yet important part of maintaining breast health. Combined with regular clinical exams and mammograms, as your healthcare provider recommends, self-exams can help detect potential issues early. By becoming familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel, you can take charge of your health and spot changes early.
