Every month, women should perform a breast self-examination to look and feel for any changes. This is an important part of breast health and will help you to notice anything that might be abnormal.
Why should I do it?
Self-examination shouldn't replace regular breast screening, such as a mammogram, but it can help to detect cancer earlier, when it is easier to treat. By looking at and feeling your breasts regularly, you will become more aware of anything that isn’t normal for you. Most changes won't be cancer, but it is important to always get them checked out by your doctor.
When should I do it?
A self-exam should be performed every month, at the same time. If you are still menstruating, it should be done a few days after your period. Post-menopausal women, or those with irregular periods, should pick a day each month to do it. The exam takes just minutes to perform and can become a part of your daily schedule, such as during your morning shower. Every time you do it, you will become more familiar with what is normal and more aware of any changes.
How should I do it?
Many women are afraid of getting self-examination wrong, and some avoid it completely. The team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Breast Health Clinic share these useful steps to ensure you are doing it properly:
- Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips
- Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes as in step 1
- While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood)
- Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter
- Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4
What am I looking for?
If you see or feel any of the following, always report it to your doctor:
- Lumps or masses
- Pain
- Swollen lymph nodes or lumps in your armpit
- Nipple discharge
- Asymmetry or swelling
- Skin changes such as redness, darkness, or thickening
- Skin dimpling (like an orange peel)
- Nipple inversion or nipple retraction (turning inwards)
Remember, monthly self-exams are an important part of your breast health. Whilst they shouldn’t replace regular screening and check-ups, they can help to detect cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat.
Let’s tackle breast cancer one step at a time, together.