Breast cancer: How can I examine my breast myself?
January 16, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christine Widmann
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Paula Weber and I am concerned about my health. There have been cases of breast cancer in my family, which worries me a lot. I know that regular self-examinations of the breast are important to detect any changes early, so I would like to know how to do this properly.
I have tried to examine my breast myself, but I am unsure if I am doing it correctly. That's why I am reaching out to you to receive professional tips and guidance. I want to make sure that I am using the right techniques to detect possible lumps or changes early.
My breast sometimes feels a bit uneven and I feel like the texture of my nipples has slightly changed. I have also read that changes such as hardening, dimpling, or unusual swelling can be signs of breast cancer. Therefore, I would like to learn how to regularly self-examine my breast to raise alarm early if something is not right.
Could you please provide me with detailed instructions and tips on how to self-examine my breast? What steps should I follow and how often should I perform a self-examination? Are there specific warning signs I should pay particular attention to?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Paula Weber
Dear Paula Weber,
thank you for your message and your trust in our online consultation. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health due to your family history. Regular self-examination of the breast is indeed an important step in detecting possible changes early.
To perform a thorough self-examination of the breast, I recommend doing this once a month about a week after your menstruation. At this time, the breasts are less sensitive and any changes are easier to detect. If you no longer menstruate, you can choose any day of the month for the self-examination.
Here are the steps to follow during the self-examination of the breast:
1. Stand in front of a mirror and look at your breasts. Pay attention to changes in shape, size, skin color, dimples, or indentations.
2. Raise your right arm above your head and use your left hand to feel the right breast. Use the flat fingertips in circular motions to palpate the entire breast from the outside to the inside.
3. Also, palpate the armpits as there are lymph nodes there that could indicate changes.
4. Repeat the process for the left breast by raising your left arm above your head and feeling with your right hand.
5. Finally, lie down and palpate the breast while lying down. Vary the pressure intensity to also capture deeper tissue layers.
During the self-examination, be alert to the following warning signs: knots or hardenings in the breast, indentations or changes in the nipple, unusual swelling, or skin changes such as redness or scaliness.
If you notice any abnormal changes during the self-examination, do not hesitate to see a doctor. It may also be helpful to have regular check-ups with your gynecologist to monitor your breast health.
I hope these instructions and tips were helpful for you. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Christine Widmann
