Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. While self-examinations are not a replacement for professional medical advice, they can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to detect any unusual changes. Here’s a guide on how to check for breast cancer symptoms at home:
 Performing a Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Step 1: Visual Examination in Front of a Mirror
Start by standing or sitting in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides. Look for any visible changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts. Specifically, look for:
Swelling or Dimpling: Swelling, dimpling, or puckering of the skin, which may resemble the texture of an orange peel.
Changes in Nipple: A nipple that has turned inward, is scaly, or has become sore or red.
Discharge: Any unusual fluid (not breast milk) leaking from the nipples, especially if it’s bloody, clear, or yellowish.
Now, raise your arms above your head and continue observing your breasts from different angles, looking for the same signs.
Step 2: Palpation While Standing or Sitting
The next part of the self-examination involves feeling for lumps or changes in breast tissue.
Use the Pads of Your Fingers: Use the pads of your three middle fingers (not the tips) to gently press on your breasts.
Follow a Pattern: Use small circular motions, about the size of a coin, to feel your entire breast. Follow a pattern to ensure all areas of the breast are checked, such as starting from the outer edge and moving inwards, or moving up and down in rows.
Check the Entire Breast: Make sure to feel the tissue in the front (just below the skin) and deeper inside your breast, including the area near your armpits.
Step 3: Examination While Lying Down
When you lie down, your breast tissue spreads more evenly, which can make it easier to feel for any lumps or abnormalities.
Lie Flat on Your Back: Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head.
Use Your Left Hand to Examine Your Right Breast: Use the same circular motion technique to palpate your right breast. Press with varying pressure to feel both surface-level and deeper tissue.
Switch Sides: Repeat this on your left breast with your right hand.
 Common Breast Cancer Symptoms
While lumps are a well-known symptom of breast cancer, there are other signs to look out for as well. The most common symptoms include:
A New Lump or Thickening: A hard lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Unexplained changes in size, shape, or appearance of one or both breasts.
Nipple Changes: Sudden inversion of the nipple, or pain in the nipple area.
Unusual Discharge: Any unusual discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloody or clear.
Skin Changes: Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the skin on the breast, nipple, or areola.
Dimpling or Puckering: Skin that looks like an orange peel (known as “peau d’orange”).
Breast Pain: While most breast pain isn’t linked to cancer, persistent pain or discomfort in one area of your breast should be noted.
What to Do If You Notice Changes
If you discover any unusual changes during your self-examination or at any time, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may recommend further diagnostic tests such as:
Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast to look for tumors or abnormalities.
Ultrasound: An imaging test to help differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
Biopsy: If a lump or suspicious area is found, a biopsy may be done to test the tissue for cancer cells.
When to See a Doctor
It’s essential to be proactive about breast health. Regular self-exams are helpful, but the following situations call for immediate medical attention:
A lump or mass that feels new or unusual.
Persistent breast pain that doesn’t go away after your menstrual cycle.
Any unexplained changes in breast size, shape, or texture.
Nipple discharge, especially if bloody.
A lump in the armpit that doesn’t go away.
Prevention and Early Detection
Get Regular Screenings: Women over 40 should schedule regular mammograms, as recommended by their doctor. Younger women with risk factors may also be advised to get earlier screenings.
Know Your Risk: Family history, genetic mutations (like BRCA1/BRCA2), and certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of breast cancer. Discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol intake can lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
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