Breast Cancer Self-Exam: Here Are 5 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong

In 2020, at least 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that can be self-examined at home and prevented if caught early. The number of women affected by it continues to grow. Therefore, every year, we celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While there are several places where you can read about how to conduct a self-exam, only a few tell you a few mistakes that you must avoid. Therefore, we spoke to Dr Meenu Walia, senior director, Medical Oncology and Cancer Care, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, to understand what are five things that you must be careful about while examining your breasts.

Breast Cancer Self-Exam Mistake 1: Not Being Consistent In Examining Breasts

According to the WHO, 2020 recorded 7.8 million live breast cancer cases in the past five years. It is the most common type of cancer affecting females in India. Therefore, it is crucial to examine your breasts at consistent intervals.

Dr Walia suggested setting a schedule. It could be once a month. Regular examination will ensure that you catch it early. It also increases the favourable chances of outcomes after the treatment.

Breast Cancer Self-Exam Mistake 2: Not Picking The Right Time

Timing is crucial to understand what is happening to your breasts. According to the expert, you must conduct the self-exam a week after your periods. At this time, the breasts are less likely to feel swollen or tender.

Thus, you won’t experience pain while squeezing, and it makes it easier to do the exam with accuracy. It is suggested to pick a day after your menstrual cycle to do the exam and record your observations so that if anything seems out of the ordinary, you can visit the doctor.

Breast Cancer Self-Exam Mistake 3: Not Using The Right Technique

The expert said that many times women cannot catch the lump because they do not use the right technique to feel their breasts. She suggested using the pads of fingers instead of tips to examine the area around the breasts.

You should also not press the area too hard because it can make it difficult for you to feel the abnormality if it exists. She said, “You need to examine both breasts, including the outer area near the armpit, under the breast and right below the nipples.”

Breast Cancer Self-Exam Mistake 4: Ignoring Signs

Dr Walia said that the first few signs of breast cancer include feeling a lump or changes in the texture of the skin. Many people also witness pain and discomfort in breasts, nipple discharge, and changes in the shape and size of breasts. If you ignore these signs, you will not realise how soon the cancer will spread to the nearby tissues.

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Breast Cancer Self-Exam Mistake 5: Neglecting Lumps

The expert said that while all lumps are not cancerous, you must not ignore it if you witness it during a self-exam (Tips To Conduct Breast Cancer Self-Exam). Only test results can confirm its status. You must also consult a healthcare expert for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis.

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Dr Walia concluded, “Furthermore, relying solely on self-exams without seeking medical attention for concerning changes is another error. If you notice any abnormalities, consult a healthcare provider promptly for a professional evaluation.”

Mammograms can detect tumours that you might not be able to feel during self-exams. The doctor added, “Regular breast self-exams, when done correctly and in conjunction with other screenings, play a vital role in early detection and breast health awareness.”

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