Breast Examination
A crucial process for early detection of breast cancer and other abnormalities, potentially saving lives through prompt action.
Let’s first understand what is breast examination
Breast examination involves checking the breasts for any changes or abnormalities.It can be done in two main ways: self-breast examination, where a person checks their own breasts regularly for lumps or changes,and clinical breast examination, where a healthcare provider examines the breasts during a check-up.
During these examinations, the breasts are visually inspected for any changes in appearance, and they are also felt to detect any lumps or unusual textures.
Understanding the early and common symptoms of breast cancer is important before pursuing regular breast examinations. This helps in becoming self-aware and taking timely action towards breast cancer.
Therefore, breast examinations are important for detecting breast cancer and other breast-related issues early, which can improve treatment outcomes.
Let’s take a view to the two types of examination
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)
During the examination, your healthcare provider, who is trained for it, carefully checks your breasts, underarms, and the area below your collarbone to find any changes that may be signs of cancer or other medical issues. They also visually inspect your breasts while you are sitting and physically examine them while you are lying down. This healthcare provider can be your general physician or a gynecologist.
Getting your breasts checked by a healthcare provider is really important because they might spot something that you didn’t even realize could be a sign of breast cancer.
It is important to note that the process can vary depending on the healthcare provider’s preferences and the specific protocol followed by the medical facility or clinic.
Self Breast Examination (SBE)
A breast self-exam is a step-by-step method that can be performed at home to examine your breasts. It is the best way for you to become familiar with your own breasts. Additionally, regularly looking at and feeling your breasts can help identify any changes that may occur, which could be due to cancer or other medical issues.
It is important to remember that self-breast examination alone may not always detect cancer early. Therefore, it is crucial to pursue self-breast examination along with other methods for early detection
A breast self-exam can be pursued regularly at any time of the day, for example, while taking a bath or while dressing up in front of the mirror, as it only takes a few minutes.
Women who are having a regular period should perform SBE after the period ends, as breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender during this time, making it easier to detect any changes. Additionally, women who have gone through menopause can choose a specific day each month to perform the exam.
A breast self-exam can be pursued by following the below steps.
Breast examination is vital for monitoring breast health and spotting potential issues early on. The combination of clinical breast examination (CBE) and self-breast examination (SBE) can significantly improve the chances of identifying any problems sooner rather than later. This is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.