With busy schedules and very little time for ourselves, it is easy to dismiss the attention our bodies need sometimes until it forces us to do so. Unfortunately, it’s usually too late or just in time to act. But it doesn’t have to be so. By knowing our bodies, we’re able to spot anomalies and act quickly. Breast self-exams are one of such crucial attention our bodies need. By spending just 5 minutes on your breasts every month, you can save yourself some headache later.
Experts recommend examining your breasts immediately after your period because this is when they’re less sensitive. Dr. Caleb Mawutor Dzunu, Family Physician, St. Luke Catholic Hospital in Ghana, recommends scheduling your self breast examination one week after your period starts.
“This timing also makes it easier to be remembered as a routine,” he clarifies. “The findings of each examination can be compared to others since they are done appropriately at the same time in the menstrual cycle.”
While examining your breasts, it is important to check and ensure they are the same as in your previous cycle. This will enable you to quickly spot changes immediately and seek medical assistance early if necessary.
Although, according to Dr. Dzunu, some evidence available does not support breast self-exams, he personally recommends that women should become familiar with their breasts, especially those who fall under the following categories:
- Women with a family history of breast cancer
- Women above the age of 20
- Women with a personal history of breast cancer
- Women who have never given birth
- Women with menopause at 55 years or later
At what point in a woman’s life should this be routine?
“Above the age of 20, women are encouraged to do monthly breast self-examination. Also women with a family history of breast cancer are to start 10 years earlier than when the youngest person was diagnosed with breast cancer,” clarifies Dr. Dzunu.
How do you perform breast self-exams?
The Steps:
- Stand in front of a mirror and take a look to confirm that your breasts and nipples have maintained their usual shape and size. And that your skin is clean and smooth.
- Raise your arms and check that your breasts move evenly.
- Squeeze your nipples with your fingers and confirm that there’s no discharge.
- Now feel your breasts with your fingertips, making circular movements starting from the nipple.
- Feel your left breast with your right hand and your right breast with your left hand.
- Confirm that the tissue structure of both breasts are uniform and also the lymph nodes in your armpits are a normal size.
- Repeat the exam raising one arm at a time while standing.
- Lie down and examine your breasts again.