Out of the various diseases that afflict women, breast cancer is gaining a serious proportion today and the occurrence is increasing at an increasing rate. Hence, it is important for every woman to know few fundamental and basic tests or methods with which one can get their breasts examined for any of the impending dangers. We will see few of them now.
Mammograms
This test is very widely used for detecting cancerous growth in women’s breasts. The test is nothing but examination of the soft tissues in breast area and in mammograms x-ray technology is used. The various x-rays taken through mammography are evaluated by experienced radiologists and any abnormalities will be identified and in the event of finding any abnormalities then the test will be referred as positive.
Women who are in the age group of 20 and 40 years should subject themselves to mammogram once in every three years and women who are above forty years, should get mammogram done on them every year without fail.
Getting the Breast Examination Done by Specialists
In addition to mammograms, it is also better to get your breasts examined by experienced physicians on a regular basis. There may be a chance to detect some abnormal growth in breasts within the glandular area in its initial stages itself if physicians do physical examination.
Hence it is better you combine both mammograms and physical examination by physicians simultaneously once in three years if you fall under the age group of between 20 and 40 and once in a year if you are above 40 years.
Self-test or Self-introspection
Self breast examination is one of the most favored and advocated methods for identifying any abnormalities in time. There are many techniques for self-examination of the breast and you can learn them from your doctor. In self-examination, the idea will be to identify any abnormal growth by feeling all over the breast area.
The best method is to have a physical evaluation of your breasts before a mirror. Hold both your hands clasped at the back of your neck or head and look at your breasts in the mirror. Look for any changes in shape or dimensions or any protrusions or swellings. Watch for any roughness over the breast area, or for change in nipple shape, or rashes over the area of nipples. All these are indications of some underlying problems and you can seek medical attention immediately.
In an another method, you can use your fingers to have a feel of your breast areas and in this method there are two techniques namely circular method and grid method. In circular method, you use your right hand for examining your left breast and your left hand for right breast.
Start with the top of the breast and using three fingers gently press over the breast area and move your fingers in a circular fashion all through your breast area. The process should start from top and move towards nipple area and repeat the process for the other breast with the other hand.
In grid method, the starting point will be from breastbone. Using your fingertips press from the top portion and move downwards feeling for any abnormalities all through the process.
Few Valuable Points for Consideration
There are certain precautions that are to be followed in breast examination. For instance, you should avoid examining your breasts two or three days after your monthly menstrual cycle. With regard to the areas of breasts, you should note to include breast areas under your armpit and look for any lumps or swelling in lymph nodes.
In addition to what have been told above, you can also look for any swelling in and around your collarbone or clavicle. In case of finding any abnormalities, do not delay contacting your physician for further evaluation.