A breast alteration is not synonymous of breast cancer. There are several diseases that can cause breast changes, both malignant and benign. The important thing is to detect them early and breast self-exam can be essential. Although it has not been shown that breast self-examination increases the detection of breast cancer, who better than the woman herself, who knows her body, to identify any changes in the breast? Performing breast self-exam correctly and regularly an important action to detect early changes in the breast and to trigger the demand for medical care. When should breast self-exam be performed? Ideally, this assessment of the breast by the woman herself should be done: Once a month; In women of childbearing age, after menstruation; After menopause, on a date of your choice. Doing the self-exam regularly and always at the same time of the month is very important to know the breast characteristics well and identify changes. Some changes are characteristic of the menstrual cycle phase and there are also changes throughout a woman life. How is breast self-exam performed? The self-exam includes observation and palpation of each breast and armpit , performed in this order. Observation Stand in front of a mirror, with your hands on your hips , and pay attention on the following characteristics: Breast symmetry : it is normal for one breast to be larger than the other, breast asymmetry is only an alarm signal when it comes to a new change, not identified before; Regularity of the skin of the breasts : check for any skin retraction or any change in its color or consistency (to be confirmed later on palpation); Nipple position : Check that the nipples are in their normal position and appearance. Some women have inverted nipples, but this inversion is an alarm when it did not exist before. Then, standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms in the air and observe the same characteristics again . Palpation After observation, breast and armpit palpation is followed to identify irregularities or changes in consistency. Do the observation lying down or standing up; You can do it while showering, the shower gel makes it easier for your fingers to slide over the skin; Use the fingertips, ideally the 3 middle fingers (index, middle and ring), and various pressure levels; Make a methodical and complete palpation of each breast, with circular movements always in the same direction, for example clockwise; Also palpate both axillae. Warning signs in breast self-examination The signs or symptoms that should motivate you to seek medical care are: Presence of a hard lump in the breast or armpit; Recent change in the shape or consistency of the breast or an area of the breast; Retraction, swelling, or wound in the skin of the breast, without a trauma happened that justifies it; Recent nipple inversion; Feeling of a swollen, hot or red breast; Bloody nipple discharge. If you identify any of these changes, and whenever you have any doubts or questions related to the findings of your breast self-exam, talk to your doctor or seek a consultation dedicated to breast diseases . Also remember that… …breast self-exam is very important, but it does not replace screening tests that are recommended by the doctor with an appropriate frequency for each age group or particular situation. Author : Ana Isabel Cruz The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
