Breast Cancer Awareness: Why self-examination remains a vital screening tool

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In fact, 1 in 8 women are predicted to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The goal is to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% per year.  

For the last 90 years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been celebrated every October. It is called “Pink October” as people around the world adopt the pink colour and display a pink ribbon to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and routine screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Being able to effectively perform a breast self-exam at home helps you detect breast changes so you can discuss them with a healthcare provider. Additionally, performing regular self-breast exams can help you maintain breast health and detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

A breast self-exam is a step-by-step method one can use to examine their own breasts. By looking at and feeling your own breasts regularly, you can better notice changes in your breasts or detect when something feels different. Monthly breast self-exams can help you detect changes that may be signs of infection, breast disease or breast cancer.

Well, most healthcare providers agree that while mammograms are the best screening tool to detect breast abnormalities, a breast exam you can do at home is the best way for you to be familiar with your own breasts and is a recommended screening test for breast cancer.

It is important to note that breast self-exams are important for your breast health, but they should never replace breast exams from your provider and screening tests like mammograms. Therefore, you should still see your primary care provider regularly for breast cancer screenings.

Women who are still menstruating should perform a breast self-exam after their period ends. However, women who have reached menopause and those who have very irregular periods can pick a day each month. Choose a day that’s consistent and easy to remember, like the first day of the month, the last day of the month or your favourite number. Keep a journal of your findings or make a note in your smartphone of what you see and feel.

How to perform a self-breast exam at home.

Step 1: Examine Your Breasts in a Mirror With Hands on Hips: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here’s what you should look for: 

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and colour 
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling. 
• If you see any of the following changes, bring them to the healthcare provider’s attention: Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin, a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out) and redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Raise Arms and Examine Your Breasts 

• Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes. 

Step 3: Look for Signs of Breast Fluid 

While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Feel for Breast Lumps While Lying Down 

• Next, check for breast lumps or abnormalities by feeling your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast, and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Press down with your fingers and move them in a circular motion that’s about the size of a quarter (or an inch around)

Step 5: Feel Your Breasts for Lumps While Standing or Sitting 

• Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4

The author is Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima; a BSc Nurse & MSN-Midwife & Women’s’ Health Specialist