Breast Cancer Month Awareness | Pinktober
Regular self-examination of the breasts, also known as breast self-examination, is one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer in its earlier stages when it is more likely to be treated successfully.
Even though there is no one test that can reliably detect breast cancer in its early stages, it is nevertheless widely believed that breast self-exams, when performed in conjunction with other screening measures, can raise the likelihood of an early diagnosis.
Risks and Limitations - Breast Cancer Awareness
The benefits of a self-exam for breast cancer awareness are many. But there are some limitations and risks involved.
- After finding a lump, you may experience anxiety.
- There are additional tests and procedures associated with this discovery.
- Over-estimating the benefits of self-examination can also cause problems.
The best way to save yourself from trouble is to connect with a doctor. Ask him/her for instructions and what to expect if you find any abnormalities.
How to Prepare Yourself for Self-examination?
You might find it beneficial to go through the directions and procedure with your doctor before you start performing breast self-exams for breast awareness.
If you menstruate, pick a period when your breasts are not as sore. Each month throughout your menstrual cycle, your hormone levels change, which affects the mammary tissue. The week following the end of your period is typically the best time to conduct a self-exam.
Self-examination in 5 Steps:
Any woman can self-examine her breasts in just 3 steps:
Step 1:
To begin, take a look at your breasts in the mirror while maintaining a straight posture with your shoulders and arms resting on your hips.
Here is what you need to keep an eye out for:
- A change in size, shape, and colour of breasts
- Breasts that have a consistent contour and do not exhibit any obvious deformation or swelling.
If you see any of the following changes, it is important that you bring them to the attention of your doctor:
- Skin that has dimpling, puckering, or bulging can be described as having: A nipple that has rotated or turned upside down is called an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
- A rash, itching, redness, or swelling
Step 2:
Raise your arms and continue to keep an eye out for the same changes. Check to see if there are any symptoms of fluid coming out of one or both of your nipples while you are in front of the mirror (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).
Step 3:
Next, examine for breast lumps or abnormalities by lying down and feeling both breasts with your right hand. Use firm, smooth finger pads and flat, together fingers. Move your fingers in a quarter-sized circle (or an inch around).
What If I Find A Lump In My Breast?
If you detect a lump in your breast, don't freak out. Most women constantly have lumps or lumpy patches in their breasts, and the majority of these lumps are benign (not cancer). Non-cancerous breast lumps can have a variety of origins, such as natural hormonal fluctuations, a benign breast ailment, or an injury.
If you've found a lump or another abnormality, don't wait to notify your doctor. Get in contact with him immediately and get it checked right away.