Breast self-examination
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Time to read 5 min
Breast self-examination is essential to detect any abnormality or change that may occur in a woman's breasts. It is especially important for the early detection of possible breast cancer, although the lumps that can be detected do not have to be malignant, as is the case with fibroids. In any case, any alteration that is detected should be a reason to request a consultation with the gynecologist.
Breast self-examination should be performed once a month, after the end of menstruation. Women who have already gone through menopause can set a specific day each month to do it.
The first breast self-examination should be carried out carefully, as it allows you to learn about the normal appearance and consistency of the breasts, which will later allow you to identify possible abnormalities. It should be noted that the mammary gland has a nodular consistency and initially you may feel as if you are palpating small lumps. It is advisable to have an experienced person during the first examinations who can teach you the technique properly.
The possible alterations that can be detected with breast self-examination and that should be the reason for consultation with the gynecologist are the following:
- Palpation produces pain at a specific point.
- It changes color or has a texture similar to orange peel.
- Lumps or depressions are detected.
- Fluid coming out of the nipples.
It is important to know that if a lump is detected during breast self-examination , in 90% of cases it is a benign tumor that can be treated and not cancer.
What age group usually presents the most cases?
Today, 27,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that one in eight women will suffer from it during their lifetime. This incidence is gradually increasing due to longer life expectancy and sociocultural habits; on the other hand, survival is progressively increasing, thanks to earlier diagnosis and better treatments.
Early treatment of the disease benefits the survival of women who suffer from it, which is why it is recommended to undergo check-ups from the age of 40.
Breast cancer usually appears between the ages of 35 and 80, but the highest incidence of cases is found between the ages of 45 and 70.
When should the first mammograms/ultrasounds begin?
One of the most frequently asked questions by many women is when they should have their first check-ups and mammograms, and what is the ideal age to go.
Asymptomatic women should begin screening at age 40 , and those with a history of risk should begin screening at age 35.
We understand symptomatic women to be those who notice any alteration in the breast, such as a lump, a change or retraction of the nipple, variations in the surface of the breast, asymmetries or axillary lymph nodes, who should go to the doctor upon detecting this.
What role does early diagnosis play in the development and evolution of this disease?
Early diagnosis is essential to detect the disease at its earliest stages; therefore, it is recommended to undergo mammograms from the age of 40. Obtaining diagnoses of smaller tumors benefits survival and the progression of the disease and allows earlier treatment to be started, which improves the results with fewer side effects and a better quality of life for women.
Breast cancer is curable if detected early.
Early detection of tumors actually improves survival . With a tumor smaller than one centimeter, survival can reach 95%. Since this possibility of improved survival is in the hands of the woman herself, she should pay attention to her breasts, getting to know herself and doing a self-examination once a month, in order to detect the warning signs as early as possible and go to the doctor.
Things to consider before breast examination
This breast self-examination is recommended once a month , and that day should not coincide with menstruation ; it is even preferable that more than 48 hours have passed since the end of the period. In case of menopause, it can be done any day.
In addition, it is necessary to know what aspects we have to notice when palpating the breasts:
Appearance: The breasts should look similar, although one may be slightly smaller than the other.
Breast movement. They should rise in the same way, maintain a circular silhouette and not show any gaps or abnormalities in shape.
Skin: It should not be rough or creased but smooth.
Nipple and areola: There should be no crusting, redness or indentation, and no sudden discharge.
Getting to know your breasts: steps for self-examination
We explain how to apply it at home, in front of a mirror, with these steps that our specialists tell us.
How to feel your breasts:
Arms up. We raise our arms and, in this position, we check that the breasts do not have depressions, bulges, folds, the so-called "orange peel" skin due to its roughness, etc. In short, it is about checking that they do not show irregularities, nor do they expel abnormal liquids.
Hands on the waist. Lower your arms and place one hand on each side of your waist. This way, you apply pressure to the hip area with your hands and, at the same time, push your chest in with the help of your shoulders and elbows, also leaning towards the mirror. This will highlight the changes in the contour of your breasts.
Touch and press the right breast. Raise your right arm, place the fingers of your left hand on the opposite breast, and press lightly, making exhaling circles clockwise, from the inside out. Pay attention to any point that causes discomfort.
The armpit is also under examination. The area to be palpated is both the chest and the part that leads to the armpit, which must be included in the palpation. Place the fingers of the left hand on the exposed armpit and make circles in it to check for possible masses or soft areas. It is also essential to be alert to lumps under the skin or changes in thickness.
Nipple pressure. Continuing with the right arm raised, with the left hand we press lightly on the nipple of the right breast, from the outside in, to check that no fluid or bleeding appears.
Breast palpation in bed and in the shower
Lying position. To avoid lying down completely, place a pillow or a folded towel under your right shoulder. Next, pull your right arm back, placing your hand behind your head, and keep your right elbow elevated.
Circular movements with the fingertips. In this position, the left hand gently presses the right breast, drawing circular spiral movements on it.
Breast to armpit review. We continue making these movements with the fingertips around the entire breast, including the area between the breast and the armpit, as well as the armpit itself.
We repeat the steps with the left breast. To do this we only have to invert the arms in each of the steps explained previously.
In the bathroom… When we shower it is a good time to apply palpation methods, since shower gel helps to locate any lumps or irregularities in the breasts and armpits.
https://www.sanitas.es/sanitas/seguros/es/particulares/biblioteca-de-salud/ginecologia/exploraciones-ginecologia/autoexploracion-mamaria.html
https://www.quironsalud.es/blogs/es/cancer-ahora/hacerse-autoexploracion-mama
https://www.breastcancer.org/es/tests-deteccion/autoexploracion-de-la-mama-aem
https://www.tucanaldesalud.es/es/tusaludaldia/articulos/decalogo-autoexploracion-mamaria-adecuada
