How do you perform a breast self-exam?

Breast cancer can affect both women and men. There is no sure way to prevent it. However, knowing how to perform a breast self-exam and doing it monthly could help you recognize warning signs of this health condition.

This is according to Dr. Gladysmaría Figueroa, a gynecologist at Centro Ararat, who quickly establishes that " breast self-examination is for everyone." It is an examination that consists of palpating and observing the breast, which "is performed to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue." She adds that, in the case of women, "the best time to do it is 3 to 5 days after menstruation. If you do not menstruate, choose one day a month to perform the self-examination."

Here are two ways you can perform a self-examination:

1. Look at your chest in front of a mirror in three different poses: 

• Drop your arms
• Raise your arms above your head.
• Place your hands on your waist. Then, lean forward in this same position.

2. Lie down and feel:

• The person should lie on their back and place a pillow under their right shoulder. 
• Using the tips of the three middle fingers (ring, middle, and index) of your left hand, you should palpate the right breast. 
• Press lightly on that part of the chest using circular movements from top to bottom. Then press moderately and firmly. 
• Feel with the intention of sensing or identifying changes in the breast. Check above and below the collarbone and in the armpit.

Repeat the above with your right hand to check the left breast. 

What changes should you look for?

Here are some warning signs you might notice:

• Redness or flaking in the nipple area
• Nipple retraction or pain in that area
• Nipple discharge other than milk, including blood
• Any change in breast size or shape
• Pain anywhere in the breast

Another way to prevent breast cancer is to visit your doctor regularly so that they can order a mammogram. Mammography is the primary tool for detecting breast cancer and consists of several low-dose X-ray images of the breasts in women.

In the case of men, the health specialist emphasizes that the incidence is low and that diagnosis may take longer than for women. That is why she encourages them not to let their guard down. "Everyone should be examined at least once a month." 

Follow our gynecologist on Instagram @ginecologadrafigueroa and on Facebook at Ginecóloga Dra. Figueroa.

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