During bath time, I have tried using my hand to feel my breasts but never found any lumps or signs of abnormalities. But hey!! Why was breast cancer detected all of a sudden? That’s because “breast self-examination” is not the answer to cancer detection… and statistics confirm that “it does not help reduce the mortality rate”. This is the reason why… why? Cancer screening is important!!!
How to properly perform breast self-examination!
Use four fingers (excluding the thumb) to feel in a spiral motion… starting from the upper part of the breast to the base, around the armpit area, or in an up-and-down direction… starting from under the breast and moving up and down throughout the entire breast. But do not “grab” the breast! Perform this regularly once a month, 7 days after the end of your period, as this is the time when lumps are easiest to detect.
Feeling no lumps… does not mean “no cancer”
Even skilled doctors can only feel lumps when they are larger than 1 centimeter! Therefore, ordinary people have less chance of detecting small lumps. Most lumps found by feeling… cancer cells have usually grown to stage 2-3 already.
But finding a lump in the breast… may not necessarily be cancer
If you find a lump in the breast… don’t panic! You should see a doctor for a thorough examination to determine whether the lump is a solid mass or a cyst. Sometimes… the lump may just be a benign mass, not cancer! Most benign masses or cysts are commonly found in younger women.
Did you know? Young people can also get breast cancer
In people under 35 years old, cancer is less common… but it’s not impossible! Statistics show that “breast cancer” can occur even in women as young as 15 years old. Regular breast self-examination is important, and if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, screening should begin at an earlier age!
When should mammogram screening actually begin?
Normally, women aged 35-40 should have regular breast exams by a doctor or mammograms every 2 years. After age 40, mammograms should be done annually… once a year.
With medical advancements, breast cancer treatment today… patients do not necessarily have to have their breasts removed! However, early detection is crucial, and “screening” is the only way to detect cancer earlier… which greatly increases the chances of a complete cure!!!!