Self-Examination

Spending 10 minutes every 10th month on a breast self-exam is the biggest favor you can do for yourself to help diagnose breast cancer early.

It is recommended that every woman over the age of 20 examine herself within the first 10 days after her period ends. Women who are not menstruating are also advised to examine themselves on a specific day of the month.

A woman's greatest supporter in breast health should be herself. Research shows that women who are familiar with breast self-examination and practice it regularly are more likely to detect potential breast diseases and breast cancer early and seek medical attention. Treatment success for breast cancer detected early is much easier than for advanced breast cancer detected late. Within the first 10 days after each menstrual period, examine yourself with the extremely simple techniques taught below and give your health the best possible support.

Breast Self-Examination in Front of a Mirror

It consists of two parts:

1. In this section, the woman should place both hands on her waist and then raise her arms in front of a mirror and check the skin of both breasts and areolas for any changes.
Previously unseen nipple retraction, eczema-like crusting on the nipple, an orange-peel appearance on all or part of the breast, asymmetrical appearance of one breast relative to the other, or any other previously unseen breast difference can all be signs of breast cancer. However, it's important to know that not all of these changes are 100% sure signs of breast cancer. However, they do indicate a serious need to see a doctor.

2. In this part, the woman is asked to raise her arm above her head while standing and press the first two knuckles of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers of her opposite hand against the smooth skin of the breast,
from the breast's perimeter to the center, namely the nipple. In the final stage, the woman, with her body smooth, is asked to examine the opposite breast in a supine position, with one arm under her head, in circular motions, starting from the nipple and outward. If, during the palpation, you notice a lump of dough, a hazelnut, or an unusually firm or lump, you should consult a doctor.