look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: The month of October is celebrated as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ all over the world. This is a disease that is the most common cancer in women in India. The scary thing is that its cases are continuously increasing, and the biggest reason is – Finding out late. Most women approach the doctor due to shyness, hesitation or lack of information when the cancer has reached a dangerous stage.
But do you know that you can catch this deadly disease in its early stages by spending just 5 minutes at home every month? The name of this magical method is ‘Breast Self-Examination’ That means breast self-examination. It is so easy that any woman can do it, and it can prove to be the biggest weapon in saving your life.
Why is breast self-examination so important?
Doctors say that if breast cancer is detected at stage 1 itself, then in more than 90% of the cases the patient can be completely cured. The purpose of self-examination is to make you aware of your breasts. When you do this check every month, you know how your breasts normally feel. In such a situation, if there is any small change in them (like lump, swelling or discharge), it comes to your notice immediately.
It’s your body, no one knows it better than you!
How to examine breasts? – Correct and easy way
This checkup should be done once a month, 3 to 5 days after the end of periods, because the breasts are the least sensitive at this time.
Step 1: Look in the mirror
- Stand straight with your hands on your waist. Look carefully at both your breasts in the mirror.
- Are the shape, size and color of both normal? Is there any swelling, dimpling, shrinkage or any change in the skin?
- Now repeat the same process by raising your hands above your head.
Step 2: Lie down and feel
- Lie on your back on the bed. To examine the right breast, place your right hand under the head.
- Now feel the right breast with the flat part (knuckles) of the middle three fingers of your left hand.
- Using light, medium and then deep pressure, examine the entire breast in small circles. From underarms to collarbones and cleavage to armpits, nothing should be left out.
- Now repeat the same process for the left breast.
Step 3: Nipple examination
- Finally, gently press the nipples of both the breasts to see if any fluid (watery, milky or bloody discharge) is coming out from them.
When to go to the doctor?
If you feel any of the symptoms given below, contact a doctor immediately without panic and delay:
- Any kind of lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
- Any change in the shape or size of the breast.
- Any abnormal discharge from the nipple.
- Redness, shrinkage, or orange peel-like appearance of the breast skin.
- The nipple sinking inwards.
Remember, breast cancer needs to be fought and not feared. And your first and most powerful weapon in this fight is – Awareness and timely investigation.