Every year in the UK, over 56,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 32 women in the UK die every day from it. In fact, one in seven UK females will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. But 23% of these cases are preventable.
Being familiar with your body and noticing any changes early can play a big role in detecting breast cancer sooner and avoiding late-stage diagnoses. And this is where the breast self-exam plays a crucial role. So, why does it matter? And how can you ensure you do this self-exam properly?
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam Properly
Regular breast self-exams can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to detect any changes that might be concerning. While self-exams shouldn’t replace professional screenings, they can help detect lumps early on and ensure you’re taking an active role in your health.
The NHS recommends performing a breast self-exam at least once a month. This helps you know what’s normal for you so you can notice any changes. Some experts also suggest examining your breasts at the same time in your cycle.
Generally, a thorough breast self-exam involves looking and feeling for changes. Here’s how to do it:
Start with a visual inspection first:
- Stand before a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
- Look for changes in the size, shape, or contour of each breast.
- Check for any dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin.
- Note any changes in nipple position or inversion (turned inward).
- Raise your arms and look for the same changes.
Then, lie down face-up, and do the following:
- Place a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
- Use the finger pads of your left hand to feel your right breast.
- Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels.
- Move in a pattern: either up and down in rows (like mowing a lawn), in circles from the outside to the nipple, or from the nipple outward in a spoke pattern.
- Cover the entire breast, from collarbone to abdomen, and from armpit to cleavage.
- Repeat on the left side.
Some individuals may also find it easier to check in the shower, especially with soapy hands that glide easily over wet skin. To do this, simply raise one arm and check the breast on that side, using the same pattern as above.
When performing your self-exam, check for the following changes:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Change in the size, shape, or feel of your breast
- Skin changes, such as puckering, dimpling, redness, or rash
- Fluid leaking from the nipple (unless you’re breastfeeding)
- Changes in nipple position, including being pulled in
- Persistent pain in part of your breast or armpit
If you find something… First, don’t panic. Most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, any changes should be evaluated promptly. This means making an appointment with your GP and noting when you first notice these changes. You may also want to write down a brief description of these changes to be able to sufficiently describe what you found and where.
Beyond Self-Exams
Remember that self-exams are just one part of breast health vigilance. Don’t forget to:
- Attend NHS breast screening appointments (typically offered to women aged 50-71 every three years)
- Discuss any family history of breast cancer with your doctor
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced nutrition
Your health is a priority, and knowing your body is a powerful tool in maintaining it. Spending a few minutes each month on breast self-awareness could make a significant difference in early detection.
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