Ultimate Self-breast Examination Guide: How To Check For Breast Cancer?

Cancer is one of the most prevalent critical illnesses in the world. By 2025, an estimate of over 8 lakh Indian women will have cancer. Out of which, almost 30% of cases will be due to breast cancer. This makes regular examinations and inspections an important exercise. It becomes impossible for any woman to have check-ups every month. Therefore, this article discusses in detail the self-examination tips recommended by the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi.

How to Check for Breast Cancer at Home?

Women can check for breast cancer themselves. These methods are called breast self-examination and are recommended for women of all ages and ethnicities. While it is recommended to visit a specialist ever so often, these examinations can be done at home without any equipment or tools. 

Breast self-examination is done to determine whether there are any lumps or changes in your breasts. Most women find changes or lumps by chance. The lumps can turn into benign (non-cancerous lumps) or cancerous lumps (malignant). And the treatment will be recommended by facilities that provide breast cancer treatment in India based on this symptom. 

Steps of Breast Self-Examination

Regular self-examination can help you determine any change as soon as it occurs. The steps for self-examination of breasts are as follows.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

The first step in the examination is a visual inspection. Remove all clothes above your waist and stand in front of the mirror. Straighten your shoulders and place your hands on your hips. What you should look for:

1. Compare the color, size, and shape of your breast to understand whether they have changed since the last inspection.
2. Determine whether there are any visible changes in shape and size or whether there are any distortions on the breast.

If you notice any changes, any visible puckering, distortion, or swelling consult your doctor immediately.

Step 2: Liquid Inspection

Interlock your fingers and raise them both above your head. Stretch your hands as high as possible without causing any strain to your muscle. In the mirror, you need to look for:

1. Look for signs of fluid leaking out of your nipples. This liquid can be white, creamish-white or yellow.

If you notice any fluid leaking out of your nipples, consult with a doctor specializing in breast cancer treatment in India.

Step 3: Inspection while lying down

Lie down on your back on a comfortable surface like a yoga mat or your bed. Place your right hand below your head and using your left hand, check your right breast for any lumps. Use only the first three fingers and thumb during the inspection. Make your fingers into a circle, like you are picking up a coin, and use a smooth, circular motion to look for any lumps. 

Move your fingers on all areas of your breast, from left to right, and up to down. The inspection should be done from your collarbone to your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage. Alternate pressure when you are inspecting your breast. Lower pressure should be used around the nipple but as you move away, use more pressure.

Once done, repeat the same process with the left breast.

Step 4: Inspection while standing up

This method is preferred by most women. If you are not comfortable completing step 3 of the self-inspection process, place extra attention while completing this step of the self-examination. This step of the examination can also be done when you are sitting down.

Much like in Step 3, make your fingers into a small circle and use a circular motion to look for lumps. Complete this exam from your collarbone to your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Once done, repeat the same process for your left breast.

How Often Do You Check for Breast Cancer?

The steps given in the self-examination should be done 5-7 days after your period starts. For women who do not have regular period cycles or have undergone menopause, it is recommended by some of the best breast cancer doctors in Delhi to select one date of the month and inspect their breasts every month on the same date. 

The steps given in the inspection can be done at any time and at any place. You should visit a facility that provides the best cancer treatment in India if:

• You notice any change in shape, size or colour of your breast.
• You notice any fluid leaking out.
• You have any persisting rashes, marks or redness on your breast.
• You feel any irregularities or lumps on your breast.

As they say, “Prevention is better than cure”, however, an early discovery is better than stalling and hoping it doesn’t turn into something major and then find doctors. So, if you notice any irregularities or any symptoms mentioned above, visit a reliable specialist right away! You can also consult cancer specialist Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best breast cancer doctors in Delhi. Cancer Consult India is a New Delhi based treatment facility that can provide support and treatment for cancer. You can visit our services to learn more about us.