Cancer Awarness Day: How to self examine for breast cancer

Globally, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. According to PubMed, breast cancer has ranked number one in India among females of different age groups. Breast cancer occurs when cells in breasts start dividing more rapidly than normal healthy cells. A lump starts forming which is identified as cancer.

Experts reveal that some of the main causes of breast cancer are cell mutations. This can be caused by using chemical products excessively, a hostile environment, or inherited through family.

There can be different warning signs of breast cancer like lumps in the breast or under the arms, change in shape, the texture of the nipples of the breast or discharge from the breast.

You must self-examine your breasts once a month to look for any unusual signs. Here are the steps you have to follow:

• Place your right hand behind your head. With the middle fingers of your left hand, softly press down using small motions to examine the entire right breast. You can also use two fingers.
• Next, sit or stand. Feel your armpit, because breast tissue goes into that area. Check if there are any nodules or lymph in your underarm.
• Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge. Repeat the process on the left breast.
• Now, stand in front of the mirror and check if there is any change in the skin texture of the breast like dimpling, puckering, indentations, or skin that looks like an orange peel.
• Note the shape and outline of each breast. Check to see if the nipple turns inward.
• Women post menopause must self examine for breast cancer regularly.
• If you come across any symptoms, you must visit a gynaecologist and oncologist.

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