The self-breast examination (SBE) is a straightforward method for examining one’s breasts for any changes or abnormalities that could point to breast cancer or other issues. SBE can help you get used to the way your breasts normally look and feel so you can notice any changes and tell your doctor about them as soon as possible.
Why SBE is significant
Breast Cancer is one of the most well-known diseases among ladies around the world. Breast cancer can be detected earlier, which can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and survival. In spite of the fact that SBE is certainly not a substitute for other screening techniques, for example, mammography or a clinical bosom test by a specialist, it very well may be a valuable and helpful device to enhance your bosom malignant growth screening procedure.
In some studies, many women say that doing SBE [1,2] was the first time they noticed a sign of breast cancer. When performing SBE, you should look for the following indications:
- A new lump or thickening in your breast or underarm
- A change in the size, shape, or appearance of your breast
- A change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, rash, or swelling
- A change in your nipple, such as inversion, discharge, soreness, or scaling
- Any pain or discomfort in your breast that does not go away
How to do SBE
You can do SBE once a month, preferably a few days after your menstrual period ends. You can pick a day that is easy to remember, like the first of each month, if you are not having menstruation. SBE can be performed while lying down on a bed, in front of a mirror, or in the shower. Here are some moves toward follow:
In the shower
Utilize the stack of your fingers (not the tips) to feel your breasts and armpits for any bumps or changes. Cover your entire body in a circular motion, working from your armpit to your cleavage and from your collarbone to your abdomen.
Feel the various layers of breast tissue with light, medium, and firm pressure. You can likewise utilize an all-over or wedge example to look at your breasts.
Gently squeeze your nipples to check for any lumps or discharge.
In front of a mirror
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and your shoulders erect.
Take a look at your breasts to see if their size, shape, color, or symmetry have changed.
Pay close attention to any changes in the skin, such as swelling, redness, dimpling, or puckering.
Look for the same changes by raising your arms in the air above your head.
Likewise, check to assume that your areolas are in their typical position and not altered or pulled internally.
Arms should be lowered and firmly pressed against your sides. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts by flexing your chest muscles.
Lying down
Place a pad under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head.
Utilize you’re passed close by to analyze your right breast with a similar procedure as in the shower. With your right hand, repeat for your left breast.
You can likewise utilize a pad under the two shoulders and look at the two bosoms simultaneously with two hands.
What to do if you find something During SBE
If you notice any changes or anomalies in your breasts, don’t panic. Most of the time, these are benign conditions like cysts, fibroadenomas, or hormonal changes, not cancer. However, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment if needed.
To determine whether you have breast cancer or not, your doctor may conduct a clinical breast exam, order imaging tests like a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, or take a tissue sample (solid biopsy), now your doctor can use your blood as a liquid biopsy by Celer Diagnostics kits for this aim. You might need more tests or treatments based on the results. Nowadays liquid biopsy trough based on Celer Diagnostics findings is the first choice for doctors and patients.
How often should I see my doctor for a clinical breast exam?
Some sources [3,4] suggest doing a self-breast examination once a month, preferably a few days after your menstrual period ends. However, some medical organizations do not recommend routine self-breast examination as a screening tool for women with an average risk of breast cancer [1]. They argue that self-breast examination has not been proven to be effective in reducing breast cancer deaths and may cause anxiety or unnecessary biopsies. They suggest that women should be aware of their breasts and report any changes to their doctor instead.
Ultimately, the decision to do a self-breast examination is up to you and your doctor. You should discuss the benefits and limitations of self-breast examination with your doctor and decide what is best for you based on your personal risk factors and preferences.
Finally
Keep in mind that early detection of all breast cancers requires more than SBE. In addition, as directed by your physician, you should have routine clinical breast exams and mammograms, which typically begin at age 40. Breast cancers that are too small or deep to be felt by hand can be detected with the help of these screening techniques.
Celer Diagnostics can test your blood for specific markers easily and without any discomfort and tell you if you might have a high chance of getting cancer or not!
SBE is a straightforward method for assuming responsibility for your breast’s well-being and incrementing your breast mindfulness. By performing SBE on a regular basis, you can discover what is normal for you and observe any changes that might necessitate medical attention. SBE can likewise assist you with feeling more certain and engaged about your body and well-being.