Breast self-examination: how to check for early signs of breast cancer

Performing regular breast self-exams (BSEs) is a proactive way for individuals to monitor their breast health and potentially detect early signs of breast cancer. It is important to note that self-exams can be a valuable tool, but they are not a substitute for regular mammograms or clinical breast exams conducted by health care professionals.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Monica Pansari, HOD and Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Breast and Gynaecology) at Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, shared a step-by-step guide on how to do a breast self-exam –

1. choose a regular time: Do a self-exam at the same time every month, preferably a few days after your menstrual period ends. For postmenopausal women, choose a specific day each month.

2, Visual inspection:

• Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides.
• Notice changes in the size, shape and contour of each breast.
• Check for pits, creases, or bumps on the skin.
• Inspect the nipples for any changes, such as inversion or discharge.

3. raise your arms:

• Raise your arms and notice similar changes in size, shape and outline.
• Observe any changes in the skin or nipple area.

4. Feel the changes while lying down:

• Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
• Use your left hand to feel the entire right breast in a circular motion moving from the outside to the center.
• Use light, medium and firm pressure to check for lumps, thickening or other changes.

5. Feel the change while sitting:

• Sit or stand with your right hand raised.
• Use the same circular motion with your left hand to examine the right breast.

6. Repeat for left breast:

• Following the same steps, use the right hand to examine the left breast.

7. Check the nipples:

• Gently squeeze each nipple, checking for discharge or any changes.

8, Note any changes:

• If you notice any changes such as lumps, swelling, skin changes, or nipple discharge, consult a health care professional immediately.

Tips:

• Use the pads of your fingers to make sure you’re feeling the entire breast tissue, not the ends.
• Perform the examination systematically to make sure you cover the entire breast.
• It is normal to have some lumps in the breasts, especially before menstruation. Pay attention to spotting changes or anything unusual.

Remember, regular breast self-exams should be part of a comprehensive approach to breast health, which also includes regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or questions, seek professional medical advice.

According to Dr Monica Pansari, regular breast self-examination is important for several reasons:

1. Early detection of abnormalities:
   • Early detection is important for successful treatment of breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, before it has spread to other parts of the body, the chances of successful treatment and survival are significantly higher.
2. Regular self-examination empowers individuals by giving them a sense of control over their health.
   • Regular self-examination should be part of a comprehensive breast health strategy that includes other methods such as mammograms or clinical breast exams conducted by health care professionals.
3. By regularly monitoring their breasts, individuals can become more aware of factors that can affect breast health, such as hormonal changes, lifestyle choices, and family history.

• This awareness may prompt discussion with healthcare providers about specific risk factors and appropriate preventive measures.

Stating that self-awareness plays a vital role in early detection of breast cancer, Dr. Monica Pansari highlighted several aspects of self-awareness that contribute to identifying potential issues at an early stage –

1. Self-awareness leads individuals to regularly perform breast self-examination, which involves visual and manual examination of the breasts for any abnormalities.
2. Self-awareness involves becoming familiar with the general appearance and feel of one’s breasts. Understanding the specific texture, shape and size helps individuals recognize any deviations or changes.
3. Being self-aware allows a person to immediately notice any changes in their breasts. This may include finding lumps, skin changes, discharge from the nipple, or changes in the shape of the breast. Recognizing changes early allows timely medical evaluation.
4. Understanding individual risk factors, such as family history, age, and lifestyle choices, contributes to self-awareness. Individuals who are more aware of their risk factors may be more vigilant in monitoring their breast health.
5. Self-awareness encourages individuals to take any unusual or concerning symptoms seriously and seek medical help immediately. Early medical evaluation can lead to timely diagnosis and intervention.
6. Being self-aware also includes open communication with healthcare providers. Individuals who are aware of changes in their breasts are more likely to share this information with their health care team, facilitating a collaborative approach to breast health.

They concluded, “It is important to note that although self-screenings are valuable, they should be combined with regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as part of a comprehensive approach to breast health. Individuals should discuss their breast health and screening options with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate plan for their individual circumstances. In short, self-awareness is an active and empowering aspect of breast health. By actively engaging in self-examination, monitoring changes, understanding risk factors, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, individuals make important contributions to the early detection of breast cancer. “Early detection often leads to more effective treatment options and better outcomes.”