Self breast exam : Importance and method

Breast self-examination is a simple way for any woman to monitor the health of her breasts. It's not a replacement for mammograms and other medical examinations, but it's a good way to be proactive. Understanding why and how to perform breast palpation can help detect early signs of breast cancer.

Self breast exam is a simple method that every woman can perform independently, without the need for equipment or medical knowledge. Breast exam plays an important role in monitoring breast health. The technique helps to detect potential signs of breast cancer at an early stage, and promotes rapid, effective intervention. The aim is to become familiar with the normal texture of the breasts, so as to be able to identify any unusual changes, such as lumps, pain or skin changes that could signal a risk of cancer.

Regular self-breast exam increases your chances of quickly recognizing any abnormalities. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform breast exam correctly, why it’s important, and what to do if you detect any abnormalities.

What to look for during self breast exam ?

sel breast exam — types of appearances of the breast vector illustration design

When performing breast exam, there are several key points and signals to pay attention to.

Watch out for hard masses
Detect any nodules or areas that are firmer than the rest of the breast
Note any differences in texture (skin cracks, abnormal nipple discharge, unexplained pain).
Sensations or changes in nipple shape.

Any persistent changes should be reported immediately to a healthcare professional for early intervention.

When should you perform breast self-exam ?

To begin with, it’s essential to choose the right time for self-calpation, ideally a week after the start of your period, when your breasts are at their most supple. This improves your ability to identify any abnormalities. Make sure you carry out this examination in a quiet place at least once a month and without distractions, so that you can concentrate fully on the procedure.

How to do a self breast exam ?

How to do a self breast exam in only 3 steps ?

Step 1: Visual examination

Facing a mirror, standing or sitting with your arms at your sides and your back straight, carefully examine your breasts for any abnormalities in size, shape or texture. Look for any asymmetry, skin changes or other visual abnormalities. Then raise your arms and see if the same observations persist. Make sure you can see your axillae(underarm area) for swollen or painful lymph nodes. Inspect your nipples for color, wrinkles, cracks, folds, scabs or any other irregularities.

Also note any differences in volume or shape between the two breasts.

Step 2: Breast exam in the standing position

Raising your arms, palpate your breasts with the middle three fingers of each hand (index, middle and ring fingers), using circular movements over the entire breast surface, from the outside inwards, and over the different layers of breast tissue (use your right hand to examine your left breast, and vice versa).

Vary the pressure: light, moderate and firm. Don’t forget to check the axillary hollows (under the armpits) and the lymph nodes above the collarbone.

Step 3: Breast exam in the supine position

Lie on your back, with one hand behind your head to lightly lift the corresponding breast. With the other hand, repeat the circular movements using the middle three fingers, covering the whole breast and the axillary hollows. Repeat the circular movements as described above. Take care to explore the tissue under the nipple and the areolas. Vary the pressure to inspect all depths. This position encourages deeper, more precise exam of breast tissue.

Here’s a checklist to ensure that your breast self-exam is effective:

Set a recurring date each month, preferably after your menstrual period.
Create a routine to systematically cover all parts of the breast.
Don’t forget your armpits and any areas around your breasts.
Keep a diary to record any unusual or new observations.
Take part in informative workshops on women’s health to deepen your knowledge.

Why practice breast self exam regularly?

Prevention and early detection

Regular breast exam plays an important role in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. This practice enables abnormalities to be identified at an early stage, significantly increasing the chances of survival and the effectiveness of treatment. Early detection can increase the survival rate to 87% five years after diagnosis, complementing screening methods such as mammography for continuous monitoring of breast health.

Making self-care part of your monthly routine increases the likelihood of detecting any lumps, pain or skin changes that may indicate breast cancer. Detecting these signs early promotes rapid and effective intervention, reducing the risk of complications and optimizing treatment options.

Empowerment and knowledge of one’s own body

Regular breast self-examination also enhances your independence and knowledge of your body. By familiarizing yourself with the normal appearance and texture of your breasts, you’ll be better able to identify any unusual changes. This intimate knowledge makes it easier to make informed decisions about your breast health, and improves communication with healthcare professionals.

What’s more, self-exam helps you better understand your body and its natural variations, reducing anxiety and misconceptions about breast cancer. By combining self-exam with other screening methods, you take a holistic, proactive approach to your breast health.

What should be done if anomalies are discovered ?

When should you consult a healthcare professional?

If you detect an abnormality during your breast self-examination, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Make an appointment with your GP or gynecologist without delay. Early detection allows rapid intervention to establish an accurate diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.

Describe any changes you notice to your doctor, giving full details of your symptoms and medical history.

It’s also essential to report any potential risk factors, including a family history of breast cancer or your own history of breast disease. This information will enable your doctor to assess your situation more accurately and plan your next steps.

Medical follow-up and next steps

After consultation, your doctor may perform a thorough clinical examination to confirm or exclude the presence of an abnormality. This may include mammography, ultrasound, or other diagnostic tests to get an accurate overview.

If an abnormality is confirmed, you will be guided through the next steps, which may include a biopsy to establish the nature of the abnormality, whether benign or malignant. Depending on the results, a treatment plan will be drawn up, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.

Additional Information

Screening mammography

In addition to breast self-examination, follow the recommendations for screening mammography. From the age of 50, a mammogram every two years is often suggested. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about starting earlier and defining the appropriate frequency.

Keep in mind that screening mammography does not replace breast exam, nor vice versa. The two methods are complementary and together increase the likelihood of discovering a potentially serious problem early.

Taking Care of Your Breast Health

Even without any particular increased risk, adopt regular preventive and maintenance measures, such as a balanced diet, physical exercise, and limiting alcohol. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking habits, can significantly affect the risk of developing cancer.

Take the time to discuss the various contraceptive and hormonal options with your doctor, considering their possible effects on the health of your breasts.

Conclusion

The importance of breast self exam cannot be underestimated when it comes to early detection of abnormalities and breast cancer. Adopting self exam as an integral part of your monthly routine not only improves your knowledge of your body, but also increases the likelihood of spotting early warning signs of disease. It is essential to combine this practice with other screening methods, such as mammography, to ensure a comprehensive approach to breast health.