World Cancer Day 2026: How to Check for Lumps and Detect Early Signs of Breast Cancer

While World Cancer Day 2026 is aimed at raising awareness and promoting treatment of all types of cancer, it also aims to empower people to take early health precautions. The annual event encourages people to adopt a proactive approach towards their own health and talk more openly about this taboo topic.

Describing the need to raise awareness among individuals about breast health, Dr Adwaita Gore, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, mentions, "Perform a monthly breast self-exam so that you learn the normal feel of your breasts. If you discover a lump or notice some change, be sure to see a doctor."

To address misconceptions and myths that prevent women from seeking medical help, this year the emphasis is on self-checks and detection, the preliminary step to improving the breast cancer survival rate.

World Cancer Day 2026: Importance of Breast Cancer Early Detection

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. However, experts say lack of awareness, stigma and fear cause many women to ignore changes in their breasts until it is too late. Dr Gore says, "By increasing knowledge about the occurrence of symptoms and informing yourself on how to check your breast tissue, you can avoid putting your health at risk and get timely treatment for the disease."

Breast self-exam, or BSE, not only enables women to look for abnormalities but also motivates them to go for medical screening tests that help confirm or rule out cancer.

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World Cancer Day 2026: How to Check for Breast Lumps

Check in Front of a Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror with your breasts naked and look at their shape in a relaxed position. Then lift your arms and look for changes in size, swelling, colour or skin texture to identify anomalies that need medical attention.

Feel the Breasts While Sitting or Standing

Repeat the above step and then use the finger pads of the fingers to feel the entire breast area, including the underarm region and the collarbone. Ensure to apply light, medium and firm pressure to examine different tissue depths for lumps.

Look for Changes in Nipples

Press your fingers gently around your nipples to detect any unusual discharges, tenderness or pain.

Examine While Lying Down

Lie on the bed and take your arm above your head. This flattens the breast tissue, allowing you to examine it more easily.

World Cancer Day 2026: Remember What Not to Ignore

Experts say lumps may or may not be a symptom of cancer, but any changes or abnormal symptoms need to be examined by a doctor.

On World Cancer Day 2026, specialists urge all women to perform regular breast self-checks as part of their health routine and join the worldwide stand against cancer.

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