Breast cancer is a serious illness that affects many women around the world. While there are various treatments available for breast cancer, early detection is key to a successful outcome.

One way to increase the chances of early detection is through regular self-examination.

Why is Self-Examination Important?

Self-examination is an essential part of breast cancer detection, and it should be performed at least once a month.

This technique allows women to understand the normal structure and feel of their breasts so that they can spot any changes that may be concerning. Women who do regular self-examination are more likely to detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is easier to treat effectively.

When Should Self-Examination Be Performed?

Self-examination can be performed at any time of the month, but it is best to do it a few days after your period has ended. If you no longer have periods, choose a specific day of the month, so you don’t forget to perform it.

The best way to remember is to set a specific date and add it to your calendar.

How to Perform a Self-Examination

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a proper self-examination for breast cancer:.

Step 1: Get Comfortable

Before beginning the exam, it is essential to be comfortable. Choose a quiet and private place where you can concentrate without distractions. Undress from the waist up, and stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides.

Look at your breasts carefully in the mirror to see if there are any changes in size, shape, or skin texture or if there is any discharge from the nipples.

Step 2: Raise Your Arms

Now raise your arms above your head and look carefully for any changes in the shape of your breasts. Be sure to check both breasts from multiple angles to identify any lumps or changes.

Step 3: Examine the Breasts

Now it is time for the examination itself. Lie down on your back and put a pillow underneath your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head, and using your left hand, use your fingertips to examine every corner of your breast.

Be sure to cover the entire area, from the collarbone to the armpit, and from the sternum to the side of your breast. Use different levels of pressure to feel different depths of breast tissue. Use light pressure to feel the tissue closest to the skin’s surface and deeper pressure to feel the tissue that is deeper in the breast.

Repeat this process on your left breast.

Step 4: Examination While Standing

Now stand up, and using the pads of three fingers, examine each breast in a circular motion from the outside to the center, and from top to bottom. Be sure to cover all areas and repeat with your other breast.

Step 5: Examine the Nipples

Finally, examine your nipples by gently squeezing them to detect any discharge. Be sure to check each nipple separately.

What to Look for When Performing Self-Examination

When performing self-examination, use the following checklist to identify any unusual changes:.

A lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm.
Swelling or warmth that doesn’t go away.
A change in the size or shape of the breast.
Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast.
Redness or flaking of the skin on the breast or nipple area.
A change in the shape or appearance of the nipple, like it’s turned inward.
Breast pain that doesn’t go away.
Bloody discharge from the nipple.

What to Do if You Find a Lump

If you find a lump while performing self-examination, don’t panic. Most lumps are not cancerous, but it is better to be safe and seek medical advice.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, and remember that breast cancer is highly treatable if detected early.

Conclusion

Self-examination is a simple but effective tool for early breast cancer detection. Women should perform self-examination every month, use a checklist to identify any changes, and seek medical advice if any lumps are found.

Performing self-examination regularly is essential to ensure good breast health and catch any problems as early as possible.