This month, we honor and support the women who are battling breast cancer, survivors, and the families and loved ones who are affected by cancer. Breast cancer is typically slow growing, so early detection is essential, which is why we encourage self-breast exams as well as professional screenings. Please keep reading to find out more about self-breast exams and how to perform them, the importance of knowing your body, and how screenings can save your life!
Most women begin getting mammograms at the age of 40. But cancer does not discriminate, and can affect women younger than 40, well before they start getting annual mammograms. This is why it is crucial to perform regular self-breast exams, typically once a month. When you perform these checks, it helps you understand what’s normal for your body, which in turn enables you to determine when something has changed or feels different. To accurately perform a self-breast exam, here are a few tips to follow:
Start off standing in front of a mirror. Check your breasts for anything abnormal, including any changes to the skin, redness, rashes, or dimpling. Then, raise your arms above your head and check for the same abnormalities. Lie down and take the pointer and middle fingers of the hand opposite the breast you are examining, and gently press down and move your fingers in little circles around the entire breast, from your armpit to the middle of your chest. Then repeat on the other side. Finally, do the same thing while standing up. Take note of any lumps that feel hard and solid. Many women perform these exams in the shower, before bed, or while getting dressed.
Although self-breast exams cannot identify cancerous lumps with 100% accuracy, they can certainly help you become familiar with your body and recognize when changes occur or new lumps appear. Studies have shown that up to 40% of breast cancers are detected by a woman who found a lump during a self-exam. It is important to remember that sometimes, breasts are naturally dense, and some lumps and bumps are normal. That’s why it is crucial to know what your breasts usually look and feel like.
While we encourage you to perform self-breast exams regularly, we do not recommend self-exams as your primary screening tool. Instead, we recommend annual mammograms or mammography for the most accurate screening. These types of screenings allow for imaging to be taken of the breast tissue that can detect any changes or abnormalities.
It can be scary and nerve-racking to perform these exams or to go to the doctor for a screening, and many women may put it off. The fear of finding or feeling something can cause significant anxiety. To reduce this feeling, remind yourself that early detection is the key to finding and beating cancer. The more you practice self-exams, the more comfortable you will feel over time. It’s also important to talk with your friends and with a medical professional about these exams. Hearing about other people’s experiences and getting your doctor’s recommendations can make it much easier to overcome your fears.
Incorporating regular self-breast exams and annual screenings into your routine is crucial to your health. Familiarizing yourself with your body can help you catch any changes or abnormalities quickly and efficiently. Remember – the more informed you are, the more you can advocate for yourself. The team at Greenville Women’s Care is here for you through every moment. Please schedule an appointment with your provider for a demonstration on how to perform a self-breast exam, more information on what is normal and what is not, or to discuss any concerns or questions. Contact us today, 252-757-3131.