Breast checks are an important part of women’s healthcare and can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Here are some things you should know about breast checks:
Who should do breast checks: Women of all ages should be aware of the normal look and feel of their breasts and report any changes to their healthcare provider. Women over the age of 40 should also have regular mammograms as recommended by their healthcare provider.
How to do a breast self-exam: Breast self-exams involve visually inspecting your breasts and feeling them for any lumps or changes. You should perform a breast self-exam at least once a month, preferably a few days after your period ends. Your healthcare provider can show you how to do a breast self-exam and provide instructions to follow.
What to look for: When doing a breast self-exam, you should look for changes in the size or shape of your breasts, any dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple discharge, or any lumps or thickening of the breast tissue.
What to expect during a clinical breast exam: During a clinical breast exam, your healthcare provider will visually inspect your breasts and feel for any lumps or abnormalities. They may also check your underarms and collarbone area for any signs of swelling or lumps.
When to get a mammogram: Mammograms are a type of X-ray that can detect breast cancer in its early stages, before any symptoms are present. Women over the age of 40 should have regular mammograms as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Other tests and procedures: If a lump or abnormality is found during a breast check, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.
Breast health and lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and limited alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your breast health and any concerns you may have. They can provide guidance on breast checks, recommend screening tests, and help you understand your individual risk of breast cancer.
