New Delhi: Breast cancer poses a serious threat, claiming millions of lives in India. Early detection helps save lives and self-breast examination (SBE) is a powerful tool that lets you take charge of your breast health. Dive into this article to learn what it is and how to perform SBE.
Breast cancer is one of the most life-threatening diseases in women. Every year a larger number of women tend to lose their lives due to breast cancer. This is why it becomes crucial to sight breast cancer at its early stage. Self-breast examination acts as an early detection tool. It effectively combines physical; and visual examinations to actively look for any abnormal or unusual changes in the breast that can be an indication of breast cancer. It is one of the proactive ways to actively take charge of your breast health. The self-breast examination includes minimal steps that can be performed by individuals in the comfort of their own house regardless of their gender. Performing SEB is essential for women, especially for those who are in their 20s. This method helps in the early detection of various underlying health conditions including breast cancer. If you feel any unusual changes in the physical appearance of your breast then consider consulting a doctor immediately. Your doctor may suggest undergoing certain tests and imaging tests like an X-ray, mammogram, or ultrasound.
How to perform a self-breast examination?
• Choose the right time: just like there’s a right time to eat and sleep, similarly, there’s also a right time to perform a self-breast examination. It is considered ideal to perform SEB at least once a month especially, after a few days when your periods have just ended. During this phase, your breasts are less likely to tender or swollen. This will effectively help in understanding your breast in a better way to look for any signs or symptoms associated with breast cancer.
• Visual inspection: stand straight in front of the long mirror while keeping your arms loose and relaxed. Closely examine your breasts while actively looking for any unusual changes in their shape, size, or contour. Once done, raise your hands above your head to observe any type of lump or swelling in the breast. Make sure you check both breasts to see if there are any significant changes.
• Physical examination while lying down: You can perform a self-breast examination even when you are lying down. To perform SEB lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder for support. Now, use your left hand to keenly examine your right breast. Gently use your fingers to feel the entire structure and shape of your breast. Ensure that you follow a pattern like circular motion while gently making up and down strokes including the underarm. Do it regularly to catch breast cancer early and initiate timely intervention that can be life-saving.
Additional tips for self-Breast Examination
For effective self-breast examinations, establish a consistent routine, ideally on the same day each month. Create a calm environment to focus on your body and familiarize yourself with your breasts’ normal appearance and feel. If you notice any unusual changes, consult your doctor promptly for evaluation. Remember, regular mammograms and clinical breast exams are important complementary screenings. Addressing common concerns, self-breast examinations should not be painful. While not all lumps are cancerous, any new or unusual lump warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional. It’s natural to feel anxious about breast cancer, but talking to a healthcare provider or support group can help alleviate concerns. By understanding breast cancer and self-breast examination, you can take control of your health, with regular self-exams and professional screenings leading to early diagnosis and improved outcomes. Connect with other women who have faced similar challenges for encouragement and guidance.
(The author is Senior Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida)
