- When breast cancer is identified in stages 0 and 1, the probability of cure is greater than 90%.
- While in phase 4 only 22% of patients manage to overcome this disease.
- Breast self-examination is a review that is recommended from the age of 25 but in no way replaces mammography.
The breast self-examination It is a basic test that all women and even men should take. A visual and tactile examination is sufficient to identify signs of tumors in this part of the body. Although the problem is that most people do not know how this test should be carried out.
A very important point is that This personal examination does not replace professional tests such as mammograms. In reality it is a complementary part because it is useful before going to a specialist.
Survival rates across stages of breast cancer
In the end, the goal is identify cases of breast cancer as early as possible. This disease is curable when it is identified in its early stages because it allows adequate treatment to begin immediately. On the other hand, when the neoplasia is advanced, the chances of salvation are reduced.
When should you do a breast self-examination?
Due to the high incidence and mortality of this tumor, October was designated as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout its 31 days, different activities are carried out that have the goal of putting this public health problem on the public agenda.
From what was mentioned, the Dr. Esther Dubrovskywho is a surgeon Houston Methodist Hospitalrecommends that the breast self-examination It should be done by all women from the age of 25. While a mammogram is a professional test that must begin when you turn 40.
“We always tell patients to wait until their period is over; That’s the perfect time to do a breast self-exam, as that’s when the breast tissue is least tender and feels even more natural right at the end of your period. It is vital to know how your breasts feel on you, so you can be aware of any changes.”
The population that most needs to perform breast self-examinations are women at highest risk of suffering from breast cancer, and these are those who have previously had atypical cells found in a biopsy and/or who have a family history of breast cancer. Other risk factors for breast cancer include extremely dense breasts, obesity, and smoking.
How do you do a breast self-examination?
The specialist recommends following the following steps in front of a mirror twice. The first while the woman is standing and the second when she is lying down.
- Always use the opposite hand to check each breast, so right hand on the left breast and left hand on the right breast.
- Place your hand flat and use your fingers (from middle knuckles to fingertips) to complete a sweeping motion starting at the collarbone (clavicle) toward the nipple with a nice, firm pressure.
- Then, sweep all the way to the nipple from the outside of the breast to the nipple.
- Check the areola, which is the ring of pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple.
“Simply go from the collarbone down and then go all the way around, that is, from the bra line to the nipple, also check the sternum to the nipple with the same sweeping movement and then behind the nipple and areola” .
Good technique (make sure to keep your hand flat and use more than just your fingertips) will improve your chances of spotting problem areas.
Breast cancer: 3 preventive exams for timely detection
Warning signs to see a doctor
When performing breast self-examination, look for lumps. There are also other changes in the breasts that should cause alerts to see a doctor or request a mammogram.
- The nipple or areola moves or changes size.
- Inverted or sunken nipple.
- Dimples in the skin.
- Bloody nipple discharge.
- Thickening or redness of the skin.
- Discoloration of the areola or nipple.
Breast self-examination is not a substitute for mammography
Mammography remains the gold standard for detecting breast cancer. Women with an average risk of breast cancer should begin having an annual mammogram at age 40.
Also read:
Breast cancer in Mexico: 4 key points for its prevention and timely detection
Breast cancer: 3 preventive exams for timely detection
Survival rates across stages of breast cancer