Every year, approximately 90,000 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with breast cancer. Overall, only 56% of women are able to win this battle. With such a high prevalence rate, it is pertinent that we educate ourselves on ways to prevent this disease. Below are some breast examination techniques that every woman should practice as a routine check-up.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
The best no-cost way to examine your breasts is the self-examination technique. You can use this method once a month starting today. It will help you in familiarizing yourself with the normal shape and look of your breasts.
As a rule, wait a few days after your menstrual cycle before examining your self. This is because your breasts will be swollen during this time period and might hinder your examination process. If you are at the age of menopause, then you can set the first or the last day of every month for your self-examination day.
Follow these simple steps below for early detection of the disease:
Step 1:
Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror. Stand straight and keep your arms on your sides. Familiarize yourself with the shape, size, and color of your nipples. Your breasts should be evenly shaped with no visible distortion. To clarify, the size of your breasts may naturally vary a little. Hence, do not worry if you notice that one of your breasts slightly larger than the other.
What you need to look out for are any changes such as an inward nipple, bulging, dimpling, or puckering of the skin around the nipples. You might notice a small rash, swelling, or soreness as well. Notice for changes in color and shape. For a precise examination, place both your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles. This way, you will be able to observe any visible changes.
Step 2:
Repeat all the above observations by raising your arms above your head. At this stage, notice if there is any discharge coming out of either of your nipples. The discharge might be milky, watery, yellowish, or even blood. If there is no discharge, good! Move on to the third step now.
Step 3:
Time to examine your breasts in the shower. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Keep your fingers together and flat while you move them in a firm but gentle, circular motions of about a quarter. Start from the nipple and gradually circle around the entire breast – from top to bottom, side to side, armpit to the cleavage, and from collarbone to the top of the abdomen. You can keep your arms at your side while you do this step. Repeat the procedure for both the breasts and look out for any lumps, hard-knot, or thickening.
If your breasts feel perfect until this stage, that’s terrific. Now, move on to the last and important step of your self-examination.
Step 4:
Finally, feel your breasts while lying down. Use your right hand to feel the left breast and vice versa. Keep the other hand behind your head and relax it on a soft pillow. Repeat the motions of your fingers from step 3 and look out for any distortion. Use light pressure on the skin below the breast, medium pressure in the middle, and firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. Now, gently press your nipple between two fingers to check for any discharge. Next, feel the area under your armpits for any lumps. Repeat the procedure for the other breast.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed your first self-examination on your breasts. You deserve a pat on your shoulder for prioritizing your health.
What to do if you notice any changes?
If, during your examination, you felt that your breasts feel different than usual then no need to panic. Call your doctor for expert advice. Most lumps turn out to be benign and occur due to hormonal imbalances. Even if it is a benign lump, a visit to the doctor can help you in restoring your hormonal balance. It will just be another step closer to living a healthy life.
Mammogram
If you are a woman above 40, self-examination is not sufficient enough. Dedicate one day every year to yourself and get a mammogram done in order to detect cancer at its earliest stage.
For this year’s breast cancer awareness campaign, Gul Ahmed and Roche have collaborated with a discount offer. You can get the coupon from the Gul Ahmed outlets and get the mammogram done in just Rs. 1000 which normally is of Rs.7000.
Prioritize your health
Your health is your wealth. Don’t take it for granted. The BSE can be broken down into fewer steps where you can only follow steps one and four which will take only five minutes of your day. Use these two important breast examination techniques and take preventative measures.
Breast cancer, if detected at an early stage, has a big chance of recovery. Therefore, make it your habit and start examining yourself because you are a strong woman when you are a healthy woman.
