It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as the risk factors, so that you can take steps to reduce your risk. Self-examination is an important part of any breast cancer prevention plan. While self-examination is not a substitute for regular clinical breast exams and mammograms, it can help you to detect changes in your breasts that may be indicative of a problem.
How to Perform a Self-Exam
The best time to conduct a self-examination is during the week after your period ends. If you no longer have periods, choose a day each month that you will remember and stick to it.
When performing a self-exam, stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for changes in the shape, size, and color of your breasts, as well as any changes in the nipples. Next, raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes. Repeat the same process while bending forward at the waist.
Next, lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using the pads of your fingers, feel all around your right breast in a circular pattern, starting at the outer edge and moving in towards the nipple. Repeat the same process for your left breast.
What to Look for During a Self-Exam
When performing a self-exam, you should look for any changes in the texture of your skin, as well as any lumps or irregularities. You should also watch for any changes in the size or shape of your breasts, as well as any changes in the nipples such as discharge or inversion.
If you feel any changes or irregularities, it's important to make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation. While most changes are not indicative of cancer, it's important to have any changes checked out as soon as possible.
The Benefits of Self-Exams
Self-exams can help you to become more familiar with the look and feel of your breasts, which can help you to detect any changes more quickly and accurately. This can help to detect cancer at an earlier stage, when it is more treatable.
It's important to remember that self-exams should never replace regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. These tests are the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin having mammograms and how often you should have them.
Self-examination can be an important part of any breast cancer prevention plan. By performing regular self-exams, you can become more familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and detect any changes more quickly. However, it's important to remember that self-exams should never replace regular clinical breast exams or mammograms. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin having mammograms and how often you should have them.