Breast Self Examination

20.01.2010 | By: T. F.

Don't be one of the women who discover the signs of breast cancer when it's already too late!

It's best if the woman stands in front of a mirror when she examines her breasts. (jlp)

Breast cancer is considered one of the most insidious diseases in the developed world. Self-examination of breasts is a major factor of early detection of carcinogens. If cancer is detected early enough, the chance of recovery is much greater.

How often should you examine your breasts?

Breast self-examination is recommended after the age of 20. Examine your breasts every month after your period. It is best if you do it the tenth day after the first day of the period because your breasts are the least sensitive at that time. If your periods are irregular or you are going through menopause, choose the same day of every month and examine your breasts every time on that day. Breast cancer develops quite fast and can make considerable progress in one month.

Examine your breasts once a month. You can even do that while taking a shower. (jlp)

A preventive examination should be carried out by a physician once every three years. Women over the age of 50 have to undergo an X-ray examination of the breasts (mammography) once every two years.

What are the signs for alarm?

Immediately visit your doctor if you find a lump during self-examination (most frequently they are located in the upper quadrant of the breast), or if at first sight the skin of the breast is orange-like, swollen or reddish, if there are changes in the position of the nipple or if there is any nipple discharge, or if lymph glands in the armpit seem enlarged.

How to carry out breast self-examination?

You can do it in five ways, that is, in front of a mirror, standing, sitting, lying or in the shower. How to examine the breast? Take your clothes off to the waist and put your arms beside your body. Step in front of a mirror and watch your breasts carefully while paying attention to the above-mentioned changes.

You should pay attention to any changes, especially to possible lumps or a swelling. (jlp)

Then lift your arms above the head and thoroughly check for any potential changes to the form and position of your breasts, nipples and the skin. Afterwards, place your hands on your hips and lean forward and again check for any changes.

Lift your left arm and feel the breast and its vicinity with the palm and fingers of your right hand, in a circular motion, from top to bottom, and from the nipple to the edge. Do not forget the armpit. Repeat this process in checking the other breast. The easiest way to do this is by using soap in the shower. Repeat the same process while lying down when the breast is less tense, by placing a pillow or towel under your armpit.

By regular self-examination of the breasts you can successfully fight the most common disease of the modern age, as early detection of carcinogens can considerably increase the chance of recovery. Self-examination should therefore show that you value your health and that you respect yourself.