Breast self-examination (BSE) is important for the early detection of breast lesions. Through this self-examination, patients can often detect masses present in their breasts. It's crucial to note that not every lump in the breast indicates cancer; most lumps are benign. However, newly developed and enlarging masses can be significant in terms of cancer.
Breast tissue varies in shape and size depending on a woman's age and hormonal status. The density and size of breast tissue also change around the menstrual period and during the premenstrual phase. During this period, breasts tend to be more sensitive. In the first week of the menstrual cycle, breast tissue decreases in size and sensitivity, returning to its smallest and normal state.
Breast self-examination should be performed between the 5th and 10th days of the menstrual cycle. Women who do not menstruate should conduct breast examination on the same day each month.
During BSE, patients should stand in front of a mirror with the upper half of their body completely exposed. They should place their hands on their hips, open their arms, and lift them to inspect the breasts visually. Check for any dimpling, outward protrusion, or asymmetry in the breasts.
Next, lying on a flat surface, place a small pillow under the breast to be examined. Place the same-side hand under the head and, using the fingertips of the other hand, compress the breast against the chest wall.
Begin examining the entire breast in circular or linear motions, starting from the nipple and moving towards the outer areas. Repeat this process for different linear areas with each iteration, covering the entire breast.
Once one breast is examined, move on to the other side. For underarm examination, the patient should sit, allowing the arm on the side of the breast being examined to hang down. Use the fingertips of the other hand to examine the entire underarm area. This examination should be conducted with gentle and soft movements.
Breast self-examination should be performed once a month. Conducting it more frequently is not more meaningful for diagnosing breast lesions since the average time for a breast cancer to reach a diameter of 1 cm is around 5 years.
The purpose of this examination is not for the patient to make a diagnosis. Instead, it enables the patient, who is evaluated by a physician once a year, to seek medical attention earlier for any abnormalities noticed during their self-examination.
If a patient discovers a suspicious finding during breast self-examination, they should consult a physician. If there are no suspicious conditions, an annual physician examination is sufficient. Patients in high-risk groups (such as those with a family history or those diagnosed with cancer in one breast) may require more frequent medical check-ups.
Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide, and its importance is increasing in our country as well. Today, it is possible to prevent some cancers, and many types of cancer are treatable.
Early diagnosis is one of the fundamental principles in the fight against cancer. Since cancer can occur in all tissues and organs, early diagnosis is only possible through regular check-ups.
Breast self-examination should begin at the age of 20 and be performed regularly every month. The purpose of breast self-examination is for the individual to become more familiar with their own breasts and to detect any changes in the breast on their own.
The majority of breast masses are discovered by women themselves, making early detection crucial. Breast self-examination is an easy-to-learn, harmless, and cost-free examination.
During this examination, women can identify masses in the breast, abnormal enlargement of one breast, excessive sagging of one breast, wrinkling of breast skin, an orange peel appearance on the breast, hollowing of the nipple, bloody discharge from the nipple, discoloration of the nipple, swelling in the armpit, and palpable masses under the armpit.
We are committed to being with you during your treatment process for general surgery diseases with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment methods. Here, you can read the real experiences of my patients who share their health journey with me. Their sincere comments can be a guide for you as well.
Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
PROF. DR. SEZAI AYDIN
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First of all, I would like to say that I am very happy to have met Dr. Sezai and for saving me from this disease. I learned that I had breast cancer during my routine check-up. While I didn't know what to do in the face of this situation that destroyed me and my family, I{...}
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