Self Examination For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

In India, breast cancer is amongst the most common types of cancer that is diagnosed in women. There has been an increase in the number of cases being reported in younger females aged between the 30s and 40s. The self-breast examination is an easy way to notice something unusual in your breasts. It could be a lump, change in skin colour or discharge from nipples. It is considered as a convenient method and a zero cost tool for screening of breast cancer.

Steps for self-breast examination:

Gynecologists advice self- breast examination every month. You can follow a few easy steps that are helpful in the examination of your breasts:

1. Stand in front of a mirror and observe if there is any kind of change in size, shape, and colour of the breasts. You should also check for any kind of swelling, redness, soreness or rash. To thoroughly examine your breast while standing, please ensure that shoulders are straight and arms should rest on your hips.
2. Look for any kind of a watery or milky discharge, yellow fluid or blood secretion from nipples.
3. Lie down on a flat surface and now with the help of your fingers examine your breasts thoroughly. Keep the fingers flat and together, then in a circular motion examine them. This can be done under the shower as well.

What to do if you observe something abnormal?

In case, you observe a lump in your breasts while self-examination, don’t panic. A lump can be formed because of many reasons. The other possible reasons for lump formations could be:

• Hormonal changes
• Benign breast condition
• Injury
• Diabetic myopathy

If you notice any kind of lump or any other kind of change in breasts, it is best to call the doctor without any delay. Your gynecologist will clinically examine your breasts and recommend the necessary tests to know the exact reason for lump formations.