Should you examine your breasts yourself? (Breast Self-Exam) Let's find out exactly what this is.

Many times, our women feel a little scared when they feel a change in their breasts, like a small lump. It's very normal. So for this reason, some people think that they should always check their breasts themselves. But is this so-called breast self-exam, or ' breast self-exam ' really necessary? Can it detect cancer early? Let's talk about this in a little more detail.

What is a Breast Self-Exam?

Simply put, this is a way for you to know what is normal for your breasts. That is, you can become aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Then, if you notice anything unusual—like a lump, a change in the skin, or a discharge from the nipple—you can quickly pay attention to it and see a doctor.

But here's something important to understand. Doctors don't necessarily recommend self-examination as a primary method of detecting breast cancer. Studies have shown that there is no evidence that this method reduces breast cancer mortality. Also, sometimes it can be a cause for concern and lead to unnecessary biopsies .

However, if you are at high risk for breast cancer (for example, if someone in your family has it), this method may be helpful. It can also help to educate yourself and put your mind at ease for those under 40 or over 74, age groups in which annual mammograms are not usually recommended. It is best to ask your doctor if this self-examination is right for you.

So who should do this test?

For those with a strong family history of breast cancer, doctors may recommend monthly self-exams starting at age 20. You can continue to do this during pregnancy and even after menopause.

Anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer, but studies among people who identify with their biological sex at birth show that women are 100 times more likely to develop it than men .

The following people also need to be concerned about the risk of breast cancer:

• Transgender men: Unless you have had a mastectomy (subcutaneous mastectomy) or top surgery, doctors recommend annual mammograms after age 40. In the meantime, you can do a breast self-exam to check for changes.
• Transgender women: If you take hormone therapy (such as estrogen or progestin) for 5 years or more, your risk of breast cancer increases. So it's important to have regular mammograms. Breast implants do not increase your risk of cancer, but they can make it more difficult to get a mammogram.
• Nonbinary people: If you were born with a female reproductive system and have not had a mastectomy, you should follow the screening guidelines for women. If you have had breast tissue removed, you may need an ultrasound or specialized MRI scan instead of a mammogram.
• Men: If someone in your family has had breast cancer, ask your doctor if it's a good idea for you to do a monthly self-exam. Breast cancer is most common in men between the ages of 60 and 70.

What changes should you look out for when checking?

If you have regular periods , the best time to do this is a few days after your period ends. This is when your breasts are less swollen, lumpy, or painful. If you don't have a period, choose the same day each month to do this. For example, the first day of each month. This only takes a few minutes.

Pay attention to the changes in the table below.

How to do this breast self-exam correctly?

If you decide to take this test, follow these steps. The methods are generally the same for everyone.

1. Standing in front of a mirror

Undress from the waist up and stand in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room.

• First, hold your hands free on either side and look at your breasts. It's normal if they're not the same size or shape. This is the case for most people. You want to look for any new changes in size, shape, or position, changes in skin, wrinkles, dimpling, sores, or changes in color.
• Next, keep your hands firmly on your hips and tighten your chest muscles. Turn to the sides and look closely at the outer parts of your breasts.
• Now bend forward, bring your shoulders and elbows forward, and tighten your chest muscles again. Your breasts will then sag. See if there is a change in shape.
• Finally, place your hands behind your head and press them forward, turning them to the sides and checking the outer and inner parts of your breasts. You may need to lift the breast up to look at the inner part.
• Check for discharge from the nipples, using your thumb and index finger.Grasp the tissue around the nipple and pull it towards the nipple. See if any discharge comes out. Do the same on the other side.

2. In the shower

This is easy to do when your hands are slippery with soap.

• Check for lumps or thickening under the armpits. With your left hand on your hip, feel your left armpit with your right hand. Do the same on the other side.
• Check for lumps above and below the collarbone.
• Now place one hand behind your head. This will spread the breast tissue. With the fingertips of the other hand (keeping your fingers together), press down on your breast. In an up-and-down pattern , that is, from the collarbone to the bottom of the bra, check until the entire breast is covered. Do the same on the other side.

3. Lying down

• Lie down on the floor, with a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Place your right hand under your head. Now place the fingers of your left hand together and place them on the upper part of your right breast. This will be easier if you apply some body lotion.
• Think of your breast like a clock. Starting at 12, rub in small circular motions toward 1. Continue until you have completed the entire circle. When you have completed the circle, move inward about an inch toward the nipple and then move in another circle. Continue until you have examined the entire breast. Don't forget to also examine the outer part of the breast, which is toward the armpit.
• Finally, place your fingers directly above the nipple and check the area underneath it as well.

What to do if you feel something like a lump?

First of all, don't panic. Not every lump or change in your breast is cancer. However, if you have any of the following new changes, be sure to see your doctor right away.