The age to start breast self-examination is recommended by the American Cancer Society as 20. Although it does not replace periodic breast checks performed by a doctor, self-breast examination has a very important place in the diagnosis of breast diseases. According to statistics, 80% of the masses detected in the breast are found by the patients themselves. Breast self-examination is an examination method that is easy, can be applied by anyone, is effective and inexpensive when done correctly.
How to do a breast self-examination?
Do yourself a breast self-examination. Breast self-examination should not be performed at any time. In women who are menstruating, the 5th-6th day after the start of menstruation. These are the most suitable days. Because during this period, the hormones that affect the breast tissue and cause it to become sensitive decrease to their lowest level, and edema and swelling, which may cause incorrect evaluation of the breast, decrease. In the years after menopause and in pregnant women, since the monthly hormonal effect disappears, women can have their breast examinations once a month, on any day they choose.
Breast self-examination should be done in two stages, visually and manually:
Visual breast self-examination:
You stand in front of a mirror, naked from the waist up and with your arms at your side, and then your arms are raised and your hands are placed behind your head. In both positions, the following conditions are carefully observed in both breasts:
- Abnormal growth in one of the breasts,
- One breast abnormally sagging from the other
- Redness, discoloration, wounds on the breast
- Wrinkles and pores on the breast skin (like an orange peel)
- Dimples on the nipple, color change
- Two nipples pointing in different directions
- Swelling on the breast or in the armpit
- Abnormal swelling in the part of the arm above the elbow
Then the hands are placed on the waist and the chest muscles are compressed as if the two breasts are to be brought closer together. When the muscles are compressed, it is checked whether the breasts collapse inwards and the nipples turn in different directions. It is checked whether both breasts hang down in the same way in a forward-leaning position.
Manual breast self-examination:
For manual examination, first of all, the area to be examined must be well known. The area to be examined is horizontally from the middle of the breastbone to the midline of the armpit. Vertically, it is the area between the collarbone and the border slightly above the lower edge of the ribs.
During manual examination, the breast tissue should never be examined by squeezing it between the thumb and index finger. This type of examination is misleading. During the examination, the inner parts of the index, middle and ring fingers, which are the most sensitive areas of the hand, are used. Manual examination of the breast begins in a standing position. To examine the left breast, the left arm is raised above the head. It is examined with the inner surface of the middle three fingers of the right hand. Then the same thing is done for the other breast.
The examination is then continued in the lying position. Lie on your back and place a thin pillow under your back on the side of the breast to be examined, and place your arm on the same side under your head. In addition, every part of the breast is examined by pressing with the inner parts of the fingertips, first in a circular motion, then vertically, and finally from the outside towards the nipple. Never lift the fingers from the breast during movements. n is moved as if sliding on the breast. Thus, every part of the breast is examined.
The breast is checked with fingers for hardness, pain and masses (tumor, lump). Likewise, it is checked whether there is any swelling in the armpit. The pillow is placed on the opposite side and all procedures are repeated for the other breast.
The nipple is placed between the fingertips and gently squeezed to check whether there is any discharge. The person can also perform the manual part of the examination in the bathroom. Hot water helps relax the muscles. Additionally, water and soap increase the slipperiness of the fingers, making examination easier. Lotion can be used to provide lubrication for manual examinations that are not performed in the bathroom. Examination time should be at least 5 minutes for each breast.
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