According to statistics, 1 in every 8 women in the US will have invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s 13% of the population no woman would ever want to be a part of. While breast cancer is certainly devastating, it is one of the most treatable types of cancer, especially with early detection.
This is why it’s crucial for women to be alert and highly conscious when it comes to their breast health. Regularly conducting a breast self-exam can help you be better aware of your health. Here are some tips to do it properly.
Do a Visual Check
Face yourself in the mirror without a shirt and bra to have an unobstructed view of your breast. Place your hands on your hips and press down. Observe for any changes in their shape, symmetry, and size. Look out for any dimpling or puckering, and see if your nipples are inverted.
Then, raise your hands over your head, palms pressed together. You want to see if the ridges on the underside of your breasts are symmetrical.
Do the Touch Test
You can do this test either lying down on your back or standing up. The advantage of doing this while on your back is that it becomes easier to feel around for lumps because the breast tissues are thinned and spread out.
Whichever way you decide to do it, make sure to touch with the pads of your three middle fingers, not just the tips. You may also use the palm or the back of your hand if these parts are more sensitive for you.
Don’t rush through the process. Take your time and feel for any irregularities at various depths and pressure. You may come across fibrocystic tissue, which is a very dense type of breast tissue. Don’t be alarmed, they are normal. The more regularly you conduct these self-exams, the more familiar you would be with your own breasts, and so would be better able to determine whether a mass is normal or if it’s a concerning lump.
What to Do
In case you do find something, report immediately to your doctor so they can help you with breast cancer treatment Orange County-based at the soonest possible instance. There is no time to waste when it comes to beating cancer.