Do you already know how to explore your breasts correctly?
Performing breast self-examinations allows us to detect any abnormalities that may develop in the breasts. Taking into account that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, it is essential to know the correct way to self-explore the breasts and recognize in which cases you should go to a health professional.
Breast self-examination is recommended at least once a month after menstruation has ended. For women who are already in menopause, one day of the month can be set aside for self-examination.
When you begin self-exams, it is recommended that you carefully check the normal appearance and consistency of both breasts so that you can become familiar with them and then identify any abnormalities that may arise. Something important to take into account is that the mammary gland has a nodular consistency, so you may have the sensation of feeling some small lumps. For this, you can have an experienced person guide the entire self-examination.
Here are 5 steps to help detect breast abnormalities in a simple and quick way.
1.- Standin front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms by your hips. The view should be directed towards the breasts. What should be noted are breasts of uniform size, shape and color and that do not present deformities or swelling to the naked eye.
If you notice dimpling, puckering, lumps in the skin, change of nipple position, inverted nipple, redness, burning or rash, you should contact a doctor.
You shouldalsomake sure that none of the nipples expel liquid, this can be transparent, yellowish or even blood.
Raiseboth arms and observe if the same alterations as with the arms down are present.
4.-Lie downand palpate the breasts with the hands inverted, that is to say, the left breast with the right hand and the right breast with the left hand. You should use a firm and slow touch with the fingertips, the fingers always being straight and together. The movements should be circular, about the size of a coin. The breast should be palpated in all directions; from top to bottom and vice versa, from side to side and even from the armpit to the cleavage.
Finally,palpate the breasts while standing or sitting. Many people even recommend palpating when the skin is wet and slippery, so some women do the self-exam while showering. As with the previous step, you must control the breast with the same movements as in the previous step.
We hope these tips will help you or some of your acquaintances. Remember that prevention is in our hands.