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In this month of Pink October, awareness of the risk of breast cancer is everywhere. However, according to a new survey, more than eight out of ten women do not regularly perform a simple procedure that can save their lives: self-palpation of their breasts. Here’s how to do it.
According to a survey published by WeMoms, the leading community of mothers in France, 81% of women admit to not practicing self-palpation of their breasts every month. Yet a crucial gesture in the early detection of breast cancer.
What is breast self-palpation?
Self-palpation of the breasts is a practice recommended for all women, making it possible to detect possible anomalies which could require a medical consultation.
By palpating the chest using a certain method, a possible lump or abnormality present on the breast can be spotted by the patient, who can consult her doctor without delay. But problem: according to the same survey, almost one in two women (46%) do not know how to carry out this self-examination.
Regular self-palpation of the breasts is therefore recommended, to help in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The procedure must therefore be carried out once a month, two or three days after the end of the period. To do this, you must first observe your chest, in front of a mirror, topless. You need to focus on any skin changes and observe the appearance of your breasts in different positions:
- Arms along the body;
- Hands on hips;
- Arms raised;
- Leaning forward;
- Lying on her side.
Each time, note the differences you might notice such as:
- a change in size, shape;
- redness;
- changes to the nipple or skin;
- bulges.
The nipple should be observed separately. You need the absence of spontaneous flow, then pinch it slightly, to check that there is no flow under pressure either. Be careful, if you have just given birth, the flow is normal. In other cases, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor to talk to him about it.
Palpation of the breasts to detect the possible presence of a lump
Once this first step is completed, we move on to palpating the breast itself. To do this, you must use three fingers of the opposite hand: the index, middle and left ring fingers for the right breast and vice versa. And for each movement, use three levels of pressure: superficial, medium, strong. Then, three methods can be used, so as not to forget any part of the chest: the radial method, the circular method, the vertical method.
- The radial method consists of palpating the breast starting from the nipple to the outside of the breast, forming straight lines, in a circular manner, a bit like the rays of a sun;
- The vertical method starts from the top of the armpit, then encourages you to feel the breast from top to bottom, following close parallel lines, to be sure not to miss any area;
- The circular method consists of starting from the top of the armpit and spiraling down the breast, ending at the nipple.
What to look for during a self-examination?
You now know how to go about feeling your breasts. But what exactly should you look for? Here are the anomalies that should attract your attention:
- A variation in the size and shape of one of your breasts;
- A palpable lump;
- Retraction of the skin (breast or nipple);
- Thickening of the skin;
- Redness or visible veins;
- A discharge from the nipple;
- Any recent abnormality.
Any change considered abnormal, not as usual, should prompt you to consult your doctor without delay. Don’t forget to also palpate the axillary area where the mammary gland is attached. The sensation of lumps or lymph nodes may reveal an inflammatory phenomenon or a more serious abnormality for which you must see a doctor.