Signs and Symptoms to Look for: How to Check for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the common types of cancer affecting women and can rarely affect men.
As per Cancer.org, one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with Breast cancer at some point.
But, the good news is that treatment due to early diagnosis can significantly increase the chances of survival.
In this article, we will discuss some detection methods and a step-by-step guide on how to check for breast cancer.
Ways to self-check for Breast Cancer
These days, routine mammograms are the first diagnosis method for Breast cancer.
Still, some of you would like to clear the doubt of a lump or a distorted formation on the breast.
Both men and women can perform these self-diagnosis steps for breast cancer.
Even though there is no clinical evidence about the usefulness of these self-exams.
There are various ways to perform self-checks for breast cancer at home.
Visual examination
To start a visual examination, start by undressing to the waist.
Stand in front of a mirror that is large enough to see both breasts.
Place your hands on the hips, carefully observe your breast, and note changes since the last self-test.
The breast should appear in regular size, shape, and color, with no redness, swelling, or rashes.
If you see any changes consult your doctor as soon as possible to know the cause of these symptoms.
Lifting your arms
The second step is to place your hands behind your head and note the movement of the breasts.
Both left and right breasts must move the same way without additional pulling or shifting.
They must be of the same size, shape, and contour.
Then try to look under your arms for any swelling or lumps in the armpits.
You may find a swollen lymph node; this can be due to common flu or cancer.
Check your nipples
Start by lowering your left arm and then your right arm to examine your nipples.
Gently squeeze the nipple, pull it forward, and then let it go using your index and middle fingers.
The nipple should spring back rather than slowly sinking back into the breast.
Look for any unusual bumps, dimpling, or signs of retraction.
It is also important to look if there is any fluid leaking from one or both nipples during a Breast cancer check at home.
If you see a bloody or clear discharge from one nipple, this can be a cause for concern.
This leakage can be due to an infection or milk duct blockage (if the fluid is green, white, or yellow).
Follow the same steps and examine the other nipple for any abnormal formation.
Lying down
Check for any abnormality or breast lumps while lying down.
Use your left hand to feel bumps in the right breast and your right hand to feel the left breast.
It would be best if you used the first finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers together and flat.
Press down using your fingers and move them in circular motions feeling a bump.
Cover your entire breast from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to the center of your breast.
This can greatly help as the breast tissue spreads evenly along the chest wall, and you can see a lump.
Clinical ways to examine your breast
Self-diagnosis is just a regular examination that you can do at home.
These must be followed by a clinical test to know the exact cause of the bump or abnormality, if any.
Some of the diagnosis methods for Breast cancer are as follows:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses magnetic and radio waves to make a detailed picture of the tissues present in the breast
- Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray that helps the specialist doctor to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas
- Ultrasound checkup: It uses high-frequency sound waves to make detailed images of tissues
- Analysis of blood: A blood sample is tested to determine the number of various constituents that your organs and tissues secrete. Abnormal levels of these constituents may indicate health issues
- Breast biopsy: A part of cells or tissues is removed surgically for microscopic examination. A biopsy is the last and gold-standard method for the diagnosis of Breast cancer
What if you find a breast lump
Do not panic if you feel a lump or abnormality during self-diagnosis of Breast cancer at home.
Most women have lumps in their breasts, and they turn out to be non-cancerous.
There can be many causes for a lump, including hormonal changes, injury, or a benign breast condition.
Consult your doctor for further diagnosis, who has done breast examinations before.
They may know the changes taking place in your breast and can suggest you better treatment.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, performing self-checks for Breast cancer can help you be aware of any changes or abnormalities in your body.
Basic visual examination and feeling lumps on the breast can help in early diagnosis.
For further diagnosis, mammograms, blood tests, ultrasounds, and MRIs are used.
It is essential to keep track of breast health and cancers early.
Consult your doctor if you feel any unusual bumps; they may recommend proper treatment.
Early diagnosis can help in living a better life with the help of early treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first feeling of Breast cancer?
Breast cancer generally does not cause pain or discomfort in the early stages. However, some women may feel a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, a change in breast size or shape, and nipple discharge.
What is the fastest way to detect Breast Cancer?
Mammography is the fastest way to detect Breast Cancer. It is a low-dose X-ray that can detect lumps in the breast tissue before a physical exam can feel them. This can help in early detection and treatment.
How can I check myself for Breast Cancer?
Breast self-checkup is a way to check yourself for breast cancer. It involves the visual and manual examination of the breasts for lumps, changes in shape or size, nipple discharge, or other abnormalities.
How do you check for Breast Cancer without a mammogram?
Various other diagnosis methods include breast self-examination, MRI, or ultrasound. Other than that, mammography is one of the most effective diagnostic methods for Breast Cancer.
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