Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, with one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, and representing more than 38.33% of women in Egypt, with the estimated number in Egypt in 2020 reaching 22,700 and expected to reach 46,000 by 2050. Due to its widespread prevalence; Many countries are launching early detection and awareness campaigns to educate women on how to perform self-examination for breast cancer at home. This article will discuss how it is done in detail.
It is the most common cancer among women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, or one woman every two minutes. Given this widespread prevalence, many countries are launching early detection campaigns to educate women on how to perform self-examination for breast cancer at home. Home breast examinations are one of the most important methods of early detection of breast cancer, which in turn improves the chances of recovery. We note that the survival rate for breast cancer can reach 90% in the case of early detection, while this rate drops to about 22% in advanced cases.
It is worth noting that in the past, when breast cancer was detected, it meant removing the entire breast. Today, these operations are only performed in rare cases, as there is a wide range of treatments available, which we will discuss later.
It is a process by which a woman examines her breasts periodically to detect any abnormal changes that indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor. However, it must be understood that a home examination is not a substitute for a comprehensive examination. Regular medical examinations performed by specialists are recommended. However, it should be noted that a home breast examination is an important part of self-care and helps in early diagnosis, thus increasing the chances of treatment and recovery.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women perform a breast self-exam once a month. It is best to choose a specific time when your breasts are less likely to be painful or swollen, often a few days after your menstrual period ends.
For women who no longer have a menstrual period, it is recommended to choose a specific day of the month to perform the examination. Regular self-exams can help women become familiar with the normal shape and texture of their breasts, which makes it easier to detect any changes or abnormalities.
Home breast self-examination can help in early detection of any abnormal changes in the breast, which greatly increases your chances of treatment. and healing
In addition to detecting abnormal changes, a home breast exam can help identify normal changes in the breast. This can help you notice any normal changes that occur over time and better understand your body.
Some people may feel psychological comfort and self-control when performing a home breast exam. This can give them a sense of security and reassurance about the health of their breasts and their ability to notice any changes.
Examine your breasts and pay attention to any changes in size or shape, or skin abnormalities such as wrinkles, sores, or unusual redness.
It is important to note that this exam should be performed in various positions, such as standing, sitting, and bending over.
Palpation requires standing or lying on the bed and using your fingers to check for any changes in the breast.
Any lump, swelling, or change in breast tissue should be checked. It is important to note that this exam should be performed gently. And carefully to ensure that no minor changes are missed.
For this exam, place a pillow under your back on the side of the breast to be examined. Then, place the hand on the side of the breast to be examined behind your head and examine the breast with the other hand. Repeat the steps to examine the other breast for any lumps or abnormal discharge.
It is important to note that if you notice any abnormal changes during a home breast exam, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialist for further evaluation and confirmation of the diagnosis.
If you notice any changes, you should follow the following:
If you notice any abnormal changes during a self-examination, you should consult your doctor immediately. The doctor can assess your symptoms and perform a clinical breast examination.
They can also recommend further diagnostic tests if necessary, such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.
It should be noted that mammography is considered more accurate than visual and tactile examinations.
It is also considered part of a routine breast examination for women over the age of forty.
Finally, we note that a home breast exam is not a substitute for a visit to a specialist for various tests such as mammography and MRI. However, it is a useful addition to routine examinations and helps in early detection of any changes in the breast.
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