Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Importance of Self-Examination
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., making up 30% of all new cancer diagnoses for women each year. That’s why regular breast cancer screenings are important, especially for women affected by one or more risk factors.
But combining clinical exams with breast self-exams is one of the most effective ways to detect signs as early as possible: more than 40 percent of survivors report detecting breast cancer themselves.
Here’s how you can perform a simple self-examination for breast cancer at home:
What to look for
The purpose of performing self-examinations is to build awareness for how your breasts normally look and feel. That way, you’ll recognize any changes or abnormalities as soon as they occur to report back to your primary care provider.
These changes include:
- Lumps
- Hardened areas
- Sore spots
- Skin irregularities
- Dimpling
- New or unusual nipple discharge
You should look for these abnormalities at roughly the same time each month. There are multiple approaches you can use to check:
Method 1: In the shower
Take a few moments while you’re in the shower to examine your breast and armpit area. Using 3 fingers, apply light, medium and firm pressure to both breasts, searching for any lumps, knots, thickenings or other irregularities.
Method 2: In front of a mirror
To look for visual changes in your breasts, start by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any signs of dimpling, swelling or changes in shape, as well as any discharge. Then, move your hands to rest on your hips and press firmly to flex the muscles in your chest. Search again for any dimpling or puckering, particularly on one side.
Note: Many women have differently-sized breasts. If your breasts are asymmetrical, this does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
Method 3: Lying down
Lie down on an even surface and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Then, raise your right arm and place it behind your head. With your free hand, use three fingers to apply light, medium and firm pressure around your entire right breast and armpit area, feeling for lumps, knots and other changes. Repeat these steps on the opposite side.
What next?
If you do notice any changes or abnormalities during a self-examination, don’t panic. Not all lumps are cancerous. Either way, inform your healthcare provider as soon as you can, and they will work with you on next steps.
If you’re concerned about breast cancer, you can talk with your Evernorth Care Group Primary Care Provider about your personal risk factors, detection and prevention. Schedule an appointment online or call 800.233.3264.
References: