Breast cancer often grows up slowly. It doesn’t always cause pain or clear signs in its early stages. Many women think that if they don’t feel any pain or any difficulty in daily routines, as they think, they are fine. However, by the time symptoms show up, the disease may have advanced to a more serious stage. Unfortunately, lack of awareness about how to check their breast or chest may caused a big issue for women
In Pakistan, around 95,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 42,000 die because of late detection.This is curable. Regular self-exams and clinical monitoring can obviously improve outcomes.
Main Purposes Of Breast Examination:
The truth is that, waiting for symptoms to become painful or visible is a biggest risk no woman should take it easy. Early signs of breast problems can be crirtical .
A small swelling, a slight skin change, a change in nipple direction.
But here’s the good information which is that these signs can be detected early through regular breast exams.
This is the most well-known method of scheduling, and for good detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer often begins as a small, painless lump. Without regular exams, it may go unidentified for months. Breasts are not in round shape, Texture, size, and difference in shapes can vary during the menstrual cycle. By performing regular breast self-examinations, women can learn what their normal feels and looks like.
Steps to exam Breast Self-Examination Guide :
- You should perform self breast examination once a month, ideally 7–10 days after your menstrual period ends. If you no longer menstruate, set a fixed date every month to remind yourself. Women should adopt one habit, which is always examine their breasts while taking a shower in the washroom.
You’ll need:– A mirror
– A pillow (optional)
– Your personal hands
Step 1: Visual Inspection in Front of a Mirror
Position: Stand straight with your shoulders back and arms relaxed at your sides.
What to Look For:
– Changes in breast size, shape, or symmetry
– Swelling or oversizing of the skin
– The size of both boobs should be the same.
– Nipple position and check whether nipples are hard or soft
– Redness, rashes, or visible discharge
Next:
Raise your arms above your head and look again. Slightly move right and left and observe if both breasts move freely and naturally.
Step 2: Physical Examination While Standing:
Position: This is often done while taking shower. Wet, soapy hands can help your fingers glide smoothly.
Method For Examination:
- Use the flat skin of your three middle fingers.
- Press with light, medium, and a little hard pressure.
- Move in a circular pattern, vertical lines, or wedge sections.
- Start at the outer top and move inwards toward the nipple, covering:
- Upper outer area close to nipples (common site for tumors)
- Underarm area (where lump nodes are located)
- Downsides of breast, which is linked with belly
What to Feel For:
- Lumps or hard knots
- Stretching of tissue
- Hardened or painful areas
Step 3: Physical Examination While Lying Down
Position: Lie flat on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.
Method For Breast Examination Guide :
- Use your left hand to examine your right breast (and vice versa)
- Follow the same circular or vertical pattern
- Don’t forget the nipple — gently squeeze to check for discharge or lumps
This position spreads the breast upside evenly over the chest wall, making it easier to detect small misconceptions.
Repeat the same on the other breast.
When to consult to a doctor for breast examination diagnostic.
Many women feel shy to see a doctor when they notice unusual changes in their breasts, thinking it can not be serious. This kind of delay is common and often dangerous.Breast cancer can grow quietly, and early signs like a small lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or chronic pain can be easy to overlook or lack of self-breast examination as mentioned above.
Unfortunately, when symptoms are ignored, diagnosis happens later, making treatment more complicated and reducing the chances of survival of life.This delay destroy lives every year. The right time to see a doctor is as soon as you notice any unbalanced or ongoing changes in your breasts.
Even without symptoms, women over 40 should stick to regular breast screening examination. By seeing a doctor early, you give yourself the best chance for timely detection, easier treatment, and a better recovery.
Don’t wait for pain, i request you to act when you notice the first signal.