Beginning in their 20s, women should start examining their breasts for any changes. If a change is noticed, report it to a doctor so he can make a diagnosis. The earlier a change is noticed and treated, there is a lessened risk of breast cancer.
Proper Way to Perform a Breast Self-Exam
Most women do not do a breast self-exam the correct way. Doing a breast self-exam the proper way is the best way to notice all changes in a breast. Here is a step by step procedure as provided from the American Cancer Society:
- Always lie down and put an arm behind head. The breast tissue will spread evenly over the chest making the breasts as thin as possible to make it easier to feel all breast tissue.
- Make dime-sized circular motions with finger pads of first three fingers on opposite breast to feel for lumps.
- Three levels of pressure are needed to feel all breast tissue. With tissue closest to the skin, use light pressure. For deeper tissue use medium pressure. For tissue closest to ribs, use firm pressure. Make sure to use all pressures on one section of breast before moving to the next. In the lower curve of the breasts, there is a firm ridge and that is normal.
- Use an up and down pattern to examine breasts. Start at the underarm and go to center of chest. Go up to the neck bone and down to the ribs. Moving up and down is the most effective way for covering the entire breasts without missing any tissue.
- Repeat the exam on the other breast changing which arm is under head.
- Look for any changes of size, shape, contour, dimpling or scaliness by standing in front of a mirror with hands pressed firmly on hips. Pressing hands on hips will contract the chest wall muscle and enhance any breast changes.
- Slightly raise each arm and examine each underarm for any changes.
The best time to do a breast self-exam is when the breasts are not tender or swollen. Women who have breast implants can also do a breast self-exam but it is important to know where the edges of the implant are so there is no confusion about what she is feeling. Pregnant and breast feeding women should also still examine their breasts regularly but know what changes are associated with pregnancy and breast feeding.
Finding a change in a breast does not necessarily mean it is cancerous but it is important to report any changes to a doctor so a diagnosis can be made and treatment given, if needed.
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