IMPORTANCE OF SELF BREAST EXAMS AND MAMMOGRAMS
As we are heading into the month of October and Breast Cancer Awareness, let's look at some information on why self-breast exams and mammograms are important.
Breast self-examination (BSE) is crucial for early detection of breast abnormalities, empowering individuals to monitor their breast health and facilitating timely medical consultations.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Regular breast self-exams play a significant role in the early detection of breast cancer. Research indicates that many women first notice changes in their breasts through self-exams, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Early detection is vital, as cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage generally have better prognoses and are easier to treat.
Familiarity with Normal Breast Tissue:
Performing BSE helps individuals become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. This awareness is essential, as breast tissue can change due to hormonal fluctuations, age, or body weight. By regularly examining their breasts, indviduals can more easily identify any unusual changes that may require further investigation.
Starting Age: Women are encouraged to begin practicing breast self-examination at about age 20. This allows individuals to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any changes over time.
Frequency: It is recommended to perform BSE monthly. For those who still menstruate, the best time to do a self-exam is a few days after the menstrual period ends, when breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen. For those who no longer menstruate, choosing a specific day each month can help establish a routine.
Empowerment and Health Monitoring:
BSE empowers individuals to take an active role in their health care. Knowing what is normal for one's breasts encourages timely medical consultations when changes are detected. This proactive approach can significantly improve health outcomes.
Complementing Professional Screenings:
While BSE is an important tool for monitoring breast health, it should not replace regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Instead, it complements these methods by allowing individuals to notice changes between medical appointments, leading to earlier intervention when necessary.
Recommendations for Performing BSE:
Healthcare professionals recommend that women perform breast self-exams at least once a month. For those who still mensturate, it is best to conduct the exam a few days after their period ends. Post-menopausal women should choose a consistent day each month for their self-exam.
In Summary, breast self-examination is a simple yet effective practice that enhances breast health awareness, facilitates early detection of potential issues, and empowers individuals to take charge of their health. Regular self- exams, combines with professional screenings, can significantly improve outcomes in breast cancer detection and treatment.
How to do a Self-Breast Exam and do it Correctly:
Standing Breast Exam
Remove your shirt and bra
Use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa
With the pads of your three middle fingers, press on every part of one breast. Use light pressure, then medium and then firm. Feel for any lumps, thick spots or other changes.
Move in a circular pattern so you cover every area of your breast.
Press the tissue nearest your armpit. Be sure to check under your areola and squeeze your nipple to check for discharge.
Repeat the steps on the other side
Lying Down Breast Exam:
Positioning: Lie flat on your back with one arm over your head and a pillow or folded towel under your shoulder. This position flattens the breast and provides a firm surface for examination.
Visual Inspection: Remove any clothing and stand in front of a mirror to check for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts.
Physical Examination: Use the pads of your fingers from your opposite hand to feel your breasts. Start at the outside of your armpit near your back and move up and down in lines from high in your armpit near your back and move up and down in lines from high in your armpit to below your breast crease. Repeat this process until your reach the cleavage, then repeat on the other side.
Pressure Levels: Apply different pressure levels to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure should be used to feel the tissue closer to the skin, medium pressure to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure to feel deep within your breast.
Patterns: Use different patterns to cover all breast tissue. The vertical strips pattern involves examining in long, straight, vertical strips, going up and down between the clavicle and the bra line.
Repeat: Repeat the exam on the other breast using the same steps. If you find any changes or anythin unusual, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Performing a breast self-exam while lying down can help you become familiar with your breasts and detect any changes or abnormalities early on. Remember, while a breast self-exam is a useful tool, it should not replace regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Mammograms are crucial for early detection of breast cancer, which is why they are recommended for women at average risk starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 40 to 74. For women aged 40 to 49, the guidelines suggest starting at age 40 and getting one every two years until age 74. Women ages 40 to 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year, while women aged 45 to 54 should get mammograms every other year or continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
Here at the Marshall County Health Department offer a program called West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.
To be eligible for the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (WVBCCSP) individual must meet the following criteria:
Age: Women aged 25 to 64.
Income: Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official WVBCCSP website or contact our office. 304-845-7840