| With early treatment, breast cancer can be beaten,
so it is very important that women examine their breasts frequently to detect changes or
lumps. Self-examination is particularly important for women under the age of 50, as
regular mammography is not very effective for them. The best time to check is after
menstruation, when the breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. Many women have
natural lumps in their breasts, and special guidance from a professional may be necessary
to detect these lumps. But women should never forget examining their breasts, as tumours
that are found in their earliest stages are curable about 90 percent of the time. The
self-breast screening method is cheap and easy to perform. It can be easily understood by
the specified illustrations. Studies, of the effectiveness of this method, show
conflicting results. This may be because women do not always examine their breasts
thoroughly and in the correct manner, perhaps because they are not confident about their
ability to do so. In addition to being able to detect cancer, a woman who examines her
breasts regularly may spare herself unnecessary diagnostic procedures by being able to
tell her doctor which lumps have been in her breasts for years and require no new
examination. However, breast self-examination may lead to anxiety and unnecessary surgery
when benign lumps are discovered.
Step 1
The first step in the examination is the visual inspection. Stand in front of the
mirror with your arms relaxed. Look for any changes in the breast size, shape and
condition. Try this with your arms in different positions (at your sides, raised over your
head, hands on your hips, and chest muscles tensed). Note whether the breasts are
symmetrical. Also look for any changes in shape, depressions or bulges, dimples, sores,
colour of the skin and area surrounding the nipples, and direction in which the nipples
point. Be aware of any discomfort that occurs, other than premenstrually.
Step 2
The second step is the manual examination. This examination should also be done in two
stages. The first stage is to examine the breasts while standing. This can be done while
taking a bath. Wet soapy breasts are easy to examine for any lumps as the skin resistance
is reduced. For examination, place one hand behind your head, and with the other,
carefully examine the breast. Feel for any unusual lumps, thickening, or other changes.
Repeat on the other side.
Step 3
Second stage in the manual examination is done while lying done. Lie horizontally (on
your back) with one arm raised behind your head and a pillow placed under your back.
Carefully examine all areas of the breast by your fingers. One method is to move in
circles from the outer portion toward the nipple. (Some women find it easier to go from
top to bottom rather than in circles; what's important is to make sure you feel all
portions of each breast.) You should look out for any changes or unusual lumps,
thickening, or swelling or any nipple discharge.
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