Breast cancer is one of the biggest problems facing women. Not only is it fatal, but it can also be genetic. Studies have revealed that it can also be passed unknowingly from mother to child. This is why it is very important to take breast cancer seriously. Many times women unknowingly ignore this big danger, due to which the problem can increase further. Sometimes self-breast exam can prove to be effective in detecting the risk of breast cancer.
In a breast exam, we check what kind of problem is visible through the changes in our body.
Lap surgeon and gynecologist DrGarima Srivastava MD (MRCOG (UK)) has shared information related to this on Instagram. She told us how the upper part of the body can be checked and self-examination can be done.
What is a breast exam?
A breast exam is a kind of screening technique under which we can check breast lumps at home. Tumours, cysts and other problems can be checked through this self-exam. It is not like a mammogram or any other cancer screening exam and there is a possibility of error in it, but with it, you can get information about your breast shape, size and other things.
How is a breast exam done?
It is done in two parts, a visual exam and a physical exam.
Visual exam
You should check your breasts properly in front of the mirror. There is no difference in their shape and size, no dimple-like shape is visible in them, no change in colour or texture is visible in them, and no swelling is visible in them.
You have to do this for both your armpits also. Lift one hand at a time and check your armpits. Finally, press your nipples to see if there is any discharge. Even if no other physical symptoms are visible and there is only pain, you should still seek medical advice.
Physical exam
In this, you have to physically check your breasts. Try to press your breasts with the help of fingers and palms. Check for any lumps in the breast at different pressure ranges. You
When should a breast exam be done?
According to DrGarima, you should do your breast examination every month, one week after your periods. After periods, all the hormones in our body come back to their place and in such a situation, the lumps formed due to hormonal problems also disappear. There is no tenderness in the breasts at that time, due to which there cannot be a better time to examine your breasts.
These two tests are done for breast examination
If you feel any lump in your body, the size of your breasts seems bigger or smaller or you feel any kind of discharge, then you can go for mammography or ultrasound. By doing this you will be able to know exactly what is the problem with your breasts. You can contact your doctor and get further tests done. If you are experiencing any kind of problem, you need to seek medical advice. Ignoring this problem can prove fatal.
