We contacted Dr. Miltiadis G. Angelopoulos, MD, MSc. Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Breast Surgeon, who with his answers gave us the right guidelines regarding breast self-examination.
How well do you know your breasts? Why is it important to include breast self-examination in your routine? How often should you feel your breasts? What exactly are you looking for in breast self-examination? Where should you pay attention?
The answers to the above questions were given by Dr. Miltiadis G. Angelopoulos, MD, MSc. Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Breast Surgeon.
Why is it important to do breast self-examination as part of our normal routine?
A woman’s breast is a special organ. It is the symbol of femininity, sexuality, and ultimately motherhood, and is therefore associated with good mental and physical health. However, it is more often affected by cancer than any other organ. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy of women in the Western world and the number one cause of death in people aged 40-49. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point. The careful self-examination of the breasts every month, enables the women to evaluate the changes, signs or symptoms of possible benign diseases or even cancer.
How often would you recommend a breast self-examination?
Every woman over the age of 20 should have her breasts examined once a month, every month. The self-examination should be done 5-10 days after the start of the period. If the woman is menopausal, it is recommended that it be made on a specific day of the month (eg every first of the month).
What exactly are we looking for when we feel our breasts?
It should be emphasized that the woman herself is the best doctor of her breast, and may notice any abnormalities of the skin of the breasts (sagging, appearance of orange peel, etc.), abnormalities of the nipple (sagging, eczema, automatic secretion), new tumors .
Should Men Also Have Breast Self-Examination?
Men can also develop breast cancer. Of the 100 breast cancers, one concerns a man. The clinical presentation concerns a painless mass located behind the nipple or in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Swelling, bloody discharge, invasion or subcutaneous nodule are other possible manifestations.
Can breast self-examination replace mammography or other preventive examinations?
Clearly mammography is the screening method of choice and is the most reliable means of detecting breast cancer in its early and curable stages. An additional examination should be done with a breast ultrasound in every woman with a possible finding.
How exactly should we do the breast self-examination? Where should we pay special attention?
There are many ways of self-examination, some simple, some complex. A simple way of self-examination is the following: the woman lies on her back with her hand behind her head, while with the other hand and the fingertips she touches her breast as she wants, taking care not to forget any part of the breast that is intangible. During palpation, the woman should be focused and should map her breast (to get to know her breast first and then look for new lumps). After applying the method for 5-10 months, it is certain that it will be able to immediately perceive the changes.
What advice would you give to a woman who detects something abnormal during the self-examination?
Without anxiety and panic, the woman should contact the specialized doctor who will guide her in the correct diagnostic steps. Most often, the findings relate to benign diseases.
When should we contact our doctor?
Any of the following findings: palpable tumor or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, discoloration of the skin or nipple, indentation or discharge from the nipple, should lead the woman directly to a specialist for clinical evaluation.
Read more
4 easy recipes to make this weekend
The French Dispatch: An exhibition in London takes us through the real scenes of the film
Savoirville
.
