Breast Cancer: Prevention through self-examination

Self-examination, why do it ?

Self-examination – which should be practised regularly starting from puberty in girls – is essential to take care of yourself and helps detect breast cancer. Before menstruation, some women develop minor cysts, but there’s no need to panic about that. More specifically, a woman who looks and examines more regularly gets to know her breasts a bit better – so she knows when something is wrong from a possible nodule (small ball), skin abnormalities that weren’t there before, a modification of the areola, retraction or abnormal nipple discharge. However… self-examination does not replace a regular pelvic and breast exam. “Not all breast cancers appear as lumps,” says Dr. Arnal, obstetrician gynecologist.

Some symptoms are only visible to medical scans and ultrasounds, which is why both examinations are essential! You should undergo an ultrasound once a year and complete a mammogram every two years (do it annually if you have family history of breast cancer). Testing is needed before the age of 50 if you have had a mother affected by breast cancer.

How to proceed?

Start to examine with flat fingers. Standing, firmly apply your fingers to your breast with slight pressure, examine your left breast and armpit with your right hand and your right breast and armpit with your left hand – don’t forget to check just under your collarbone too. Inspects your nipple, areola, and skin by looking at yourself in the mirror. Make sure you check once a month (after your menstruation as your breasts may be naturally swollen or sore around that time of the month) – also, do not forget to examine during pregnancy too.

Golden rule: Take your time!

Other actions to be taken:

To complete the self-examination, consider massaging your breasts for five minutes. This allows you to get rid of any anxiety of self-examination.  Other benefits : Massaging maintains your tone and boosts your blood circulation.

2 recommended tips: Heat a little Bio Oil in your hand and touch your breast upwards. Place your fingers in-between your breasts and gently massage the area. Arms crossed, slip your fingers under the armpits to drain lymph nodes. Then, draw a figure eight on each breast with the whole of your hand.

Isabelle Soing