Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and early detection remains key to successful treatment. Over the years, self-breast examinations (SBEs) have been widely promoted as a method for detecting lumps or abnormalities in breast tissue. However, there has been ongoing debate about whether self-exams are still recommended as an effective tool for early detection.
While some medical organizations, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), no longer officially recommend routine SBEs due to a lack of evidence that they significantly improve breast cancer survival rates, others argue that self-awareness and regular self-exams can still play a valuable role in breast health.
So, is it still a good idea for women to perform self-breast examinations? Let’s explore the benefits, how to do it correctly, and what to do if something unusual is found.
Benefits of Self-Breast Examinations
Even though SBEs are no longer universally recommended as a standalone screening method, there are still several advantages to regularly examining one’s breasts.
1. Increased Breast Awareness
Performing regular SBEs helps women become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. This awareness makes it easier to recognize changes, such as lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge, that may need medical attention.
2. Early Detection of Abnormalities
While mammograms and clinical breast exams are the primary tools for detecting breast cancer, some women have first noticed their cancer through a self-exam. Although SBEs do not replace medical screenings, they can serve as an additional measure of early detection.
3. Empowerment and Proactive Health Management
Self-exams give women a sense of control over their health. Knowing how to examine their breasts properly and understanding what is normal versus abnormal can empower them to take action if they notice any concerning signs.
4. No Cost and Easy to Perform
Unlike mammograms or clinical exams, self-breast exams are completely free and can be done anywhere, at any time. They require no special equipment, making them an accessible method for women of all backgrounds.
5. Beneficial for Women with Limited Access to Medical Care
For women in areas where medical facilities and mammography services are limited, self-exams may be one of the few tools available for early detection. While not a replacement for professional screening, they provide an opportunity for women to monitor their breast health.
How to Perform a Self-Breast Examination
A self-breast exam involves both looking at and feeling the breasts to check for any changes. The best time to perform an exam is about a week after a menstrual period, when breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. For postmenopausal women, choosing a consistent day each month is recommended.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Stand in front of a mirror with arms at your sides and observe the breasts for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Look for dimpling, puckering, or redness. Repeat the inspection with hands raised above the head, and then with hands pressed on the hips to flex the chest muscles.
Step 2: Physical Examination While Lying Down
Lie down and place one hand behind your head. With the opposite hand, use the pads of the fingers to feel the breast tissue in a circular motion, covering the entire breast and armpit area. Apply light, medium, and firm pressure to check for lumps or thickened areas.
Step 3: Physical Examination While Standing or in the Shower
Many women find it easier to feel abnormalities when their skin is wet and soapy. Using the same circular motions, examine the breasts and underarms for any unusual lumps or changes in texture.
What to Do If You Find a Lump or Other Changes
Finding a lump or noticing a change in your breast can be alarming, but it is important to remember that not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign (non-cancerous) and may be caused by cysts, fibrous tissue, or hormonal fluctuations. However, any new, unusual, or persistent changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Next Steps:
1.Don’t Panic – Most lumps are not cancerous.
2.Monitor the Lump – If the lump is tender and changes with the menstrual cycle, it may be a benign condition like a cyst.
3.Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment – If the lump persists, grows, or is accompanied by symptoms such as nipple discharge, pain, or skin changes, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
4.Follow Up with Imaging Tests – A doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy to determine the nature of the lump.
5.Seek Specialist Care if Needed – If further evaluation is required, a breast specialist or oncologist may be consulted.
While self-breast examinations are no longer universally recommended as a primary screening tool for breast cancer, they can still be valuable in promoting breast awareness and early detection of changes. Regular self-exams can empower women to take charge of their health, complementing professional screenings such as mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Women should discuss their breast cancer risk with their doctors and determine the best screening strategy for their individual needs. Whether through self-exams, clinical exams, or imaging, the key to breast health is vigilance, awareness, and prompt medical attention when changes occur.
