Breast cancer is a common and potentially deadly disease that affects millions of women worldwide. To improve the prognosis and treatment outcomes, it’s crucial to find and treat problems early. Knowing how to self-check for breast cancer can help you find it early. This article will talk about how to do a self-exam and look for possible signs of breast cancer. Remember that you need to talk to the best breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai or at your location to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
Learn about your breasts
A very important first step in self-diagnosing breast cancer is to know how your breasts look and feel. Every woman’s breasts are different, and knowing how they look, feel, and grow can help you notice if something is amiss. Observe your breasts often, both by looking at them and by touching them. Keep in mind that changes in the breasts, like tenderness or swelling, can be caused by hormonal changes and may not always mean breast cancer. For concerns or abnormalities, consult the best breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai.
Do self-checks regularly
Self-examination of the breasts regularly is advisable to find early signs of breast cancer. It’s best to do these checks at least once a month, preferably after your period, when your breasts are less likely to be sore or swollen.
Follow these steps to do a self-exam of your breasts:
- Put your arms down by your sides and stand in front of a mirror. Keep an eye out for changes in your breasts that you can see, like differences in size, shape, or symmetry. Check the skin for any dimples, puckers, or changes in texture.
- Raise your arms above your head and look again for the same changes in your breasts.
- Lie on your back and feel your breasts with the pads of your fingers. Move in a circle from the outside of the breast to the middle to cover the whole breast and armpit area. Use different amounts of pressure to look at both the surface and the deeper parts of the breast. Note any lumps, thickening, or other changes that don’t seem right.
- Finally, give your nipples a gentle squeeze and look for any discharge or anything amiss.
Be aware of possible symptoms and signs
Know the possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer so that you can act quickly if you notice any changes.
Some common signs and symptoms are:
- A lump or growth in the breast or armpit area
- Changes in how big or round the breasts are
- Skin that is dimpled or puckered
- Inverted nipple or changes in the way the nipple looks. Check for any discharge from the nipple other than breast milk.
- The breasts are red, scaly, or swollen.
Remember that not all lumps or changes in the breast are signs of cancer. Many other conditions that aren’t cancer can cause similar symptoms. But if any changes that don’t seem normal are seen, consult a doctor without delay.
Know more about Breast Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Seek the advice of a doctor
If you do a self-exam of your breasts and notice any changes that make you worried, you should see a doctor right away. A doctor or nurse can do a more thorough exam, order the required tests, and give an accurate diagnosis. Remember that early detection and treatment are key to improving breast cancer prognosis and treatment outcomes.
To sum up, you can self-diagnose breast cancer before going to a doctor by getting to know your breasts, doing regular self-exams, and knowing what signs and symptoms to look for. Even though these steps can help find breast cancer early, it is important to see the best breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai or any other city to get an accurate diagnosis and the right plan for treatment. In reputed hospitals, you can find experienced, skilled, and caring breast cancer specialists who are dedicated to giving their patients the best care possible. People can improve their chances of finding breast cancer early and treating it successfully if they keep an eye on their breast health and talk to a doctor when they need to. Always keep in mind that self-exams are not a replacement for regular screenings and checkups with a doctor. Keep an eye on your breast health and see a doctor if you have any worries or notice anything out of the ordinary.