Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and early detection plays an important role in improving survival rates. A report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that cancer was the second leading cause of death in the country in 2022. Among the most fatal types were lung, breast, and liver cancers, as highlighted by data from the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer - Global Cancer Observatory (IARC-GCO).
Raising awareness about breast health is essential in ensuring women recognize the signs early and seek treatment when it matters most. One of the easiest and most accessible methods of early detection is the breast self-exam—a simple routine that can help women identify any unusual changes in their breasts.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s dive into why early detection is so crucial, how to perform a proper self-exam, and what symptoms to be on the lookout for. Whether you’re just starting or have been doing self-exams for years, this guide can help you stay informed and proactive about your breast health.
Why is early detection important when it comes to breast cancer?
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. When breast cancer is caught early, it’s often more localized and easier to treat, leading to higher survival rates. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), early detection improves survival rates, lowers the risk of severe complications, and reduces the overall cost of treatment.
In the Philippines, many women may hesitate to perform breast self-exams out of fear or lack of knowledge. However, getting familiar with your own body is one of the best ways to recognize changes early on. Breast self-exams can serve as the first line of defense against breast cancer, especially when done regularly and combined with professional medical checkups like mammograms and clinical breast exams.
How to perform a breast self-exam
Breast self-exams are simple, and you don’t need any special equipment—just your hands and a little bit of time each month. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a proper self-exam:
In Front of a Mirror: Stand with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look at your breasts in the mirror, checking for any changes in size, shape, or color. Make sure there’s no visible distortion, dimpling, or swelling. Repeat this process with your arms raised.
Lying Down: Lie flat on your back with one arm placed behind your head. Use the pads of your opposite hand’s fingers to examine your breast in a circular motion. Cover the entire breast area from top to bottom and side to side. Apply different levels of pressure, from light to firm, to feel both the surface and deeper tissues.
Standing or Sitting: It’s often easier to detect changes in your breasts when your skin is wet and slippery, so many women prefer to do this part in the shower. Again, use a circular motion to feel all over your breasts, checking for lumps or thickened areas.
What are the signs or symptoms women should watch out for during a self-exam?
While performing a self-exam, it’s important to know what’s normal for your body. However, if you notice any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
A lump or mass, especially if it feels hard and immovable
Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Nipple retraction (when the nipple turns inward)
Unexplained discharge from the nipple, especially if it’s bloody
Redness or scaling of the breast skin or nipple
It’s important to remember that not all lumps or changes mean cancer, but getting them checked early is always the best course of action.
Are there specific age recommendations for starting breast self-examinations?
For most women, it’s recommended to start doing self-exams in their 20s. The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) encourages breast awareness at an early age to help women become familiar with their breast tissue. This way, any changes or abnormalities can be recognized as soon as they occur.
Breast cancer can occur at any age, so getting into the habit of performing monthly self-exams is essential, regardless of age. Women should also combine self-exams with other screening methods, like clinical breast exams and mammograms, especially as they grow older.
How often should women perform breast self-exams, and when is the best time?
Performing a breast self-exam once a month is generally recommended. The best time to do it is a few days after your menstrual cycle ends, as your breasts are less swollen and tender during this time. For those who no longer menstruate, it’s a good idea to choose a specific day each month to perform the exam regularly.
By keeping track of these self-exams, women can notice any unusual changes early and take action quickly if something seems off. Even though breast self-exams are a great tool for awareness, they should not replace regular medical checkups and professional screenings.
Breast self-exams are a powerful, proactive way to take control of your breast health. With a few simple steps each month, you can be your own advocate in recognizing changes early. While self-exams are not a substitute for clinical tests like mammograms, they are a crucial part of early detection that can potentially save your life.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s spread the word about the importance of early detection, self-examinations, and regular screenings. Encourage the women in your life to take those small steps toward breast health—it could make all the difference.
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