Breast exam and information is important to women. A breast exam done by a medical provider is helpful but is often done infrequently. Monthly breast exams that become routine can give you better awareness, comfort, and information regarding the condition of your breast.
Changes to your breast can occur due to stress, timing of menstrual cycle, pregnancy, infection, lactating and more.
The essentials of breast exams appear to change every few years. Some believe the awareness of your breast is the most essential while others agree and also add that early detection can be initiated by the women herself.
Breast exam can still be done while pregnant or with breast implants.
What to do
A breast exam is done by visualization of breast as well as feeling of the breast tissue. Initially no specific tissue differences will be felt. But over time a difference will be noted
Typically done in front of mirror or in shower. Inspect breasts with hands over head.
2 main techniques:
1.) Up and down technique
- Use opposite arm of breast being examined
- Use 3 fingers
- Use pads of fingers
- Use pressure during examination
- Examine armpits, breast tissue, and nipples
- Start high then go straight down in a line
- When to below breast – repeat again
- Same arm as breast being examined should be placed behind head
- Overlapping is common
2.) Circular technique
- Use opposite arm of breast being examined
- Use 3 fingers
- Use pads of fingers
- Use pressure during examination
- Examine armpits, breast tissue, and nipples
- Move fingers clockwise in each region of breast
- Start a very small circle
- Expand circle outwards
- Move to next region, underarm
- Overlapping is common
- Same arm as breast being examined should be placed behind head
*** – in your mind and despite technique – divide each breast into 4 regions.
. Inner upper
. Inner lower
. Outer upper
. Outer lower
Consistency is the key – try to always start with the same breast and in the same direction
Start breast exams both prior and after your period ends. Many women have swelling and pain prior to starting their period.
When an Abnormal Area is Felt
First is don’t panic – only a very small number of “abnormal” areas are actually cancer.
Most are areas are non-cancerous, breast fibroadenoma, and/or fibrocystic changes.
However, you should inform your medical provider and further test may be necessary
Potential Findings
- Hard lump
- Can be near underarm, on breast, or near nipple
- Abnormal changes
- Changes in color, texture
- Changes in size or shape
- Dimples
- Inversion of nipple
- Redness, warmth, or pain
- Swelling
- Nipple discharge [abnormal discharge]
- Rashes, itching
- Unexplainable sores
Risks of self breast exam
Alone, self breast exams show no risk
Cancer is rare and therefore you may be subjecting yourself to tests that won’t find anything alarming.
Despite a self breast exam, cancer may still be missed
Our society has become much more aware of breast cancer. With breast cancer awareness month, mammograms, MRIs, self breast exams, and medical provider visits.
Awareness does help in the fight against cancer, but it may also increase fear and concern.
Overall
Despite decision regarding type of technique, timing of exam, or frequency – the key is knowing yourself. A self breast exam may help – but it is currently it is considered optional.
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