TL;DR:
- Regular breast exams (self-exams or medical) are key to early cancer detection and improved treatment outcomes.
- Risk factors: Family history of breast/ovarian cancer, BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations, and long-term hormonal contraception use.
- Ultrasound: Recommended annually after age 20 (especially under 40). Painless, 10-15 mins, detects abnormalities in dense glandular tissue.
- Self-exams: Inspect breasts monthly (7-10 days after menstruation) for changes (shape, skin, nipples) and perform palpation for lumps.
- Mammography: Recommended every 2 years for women over 50 or more frequently for high-risk groups. Involves X-rays for detailed imaging.
- If abnormalities are detected during self-exam, consult a doctor for ultrasound or mammography. Early detection increases chances of successful treatment.
Diagnosis and early detection of health problems are key to effective treatment. That's why it's a good idea to observe your body and consult a doctor about any worrisome changes. Women in particular should remember to have regular breast examinations. These are performed by ultrasound or mammography, which carefully check the structure of the breasts. You can also examine the breasts yourself at home. So what does an ultrasound look like and how can you examine yourself at home?
Why is it important to examine the breasts?
Cancer diseases are now affecting younger and younger women. This trend is noticeable all over the world also in Poland. Breast cancer is a dangerous disease that unfortunately contributes to many deaths. That's why regular breast examinations are so important. There are several methods to assess breast health. You can use both specialized examinations ordered by doctors and perform breast examinations yourself at home. Both of these methods allow you to detect a possible tumor in your breasts. In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that regular monthly breast palpation examination allows you to detect even small changes. All you need to do is know what to look for and be regular in your examination. Early detection of cancer allows for successful treatment and normal functioning. The most common cause of death among women with breast cancer is precisely the overly advanced state of the disease caused by late detection of the tumor. That is why preventive diagnostics is so important.
Medical indications for breast examination
Every woman should have a regular breast examination regardless of age. However, there are also certain indications that support the fact that the doctor will give us a referral for a detailed breast ultrasound or mammography. Certainly, if there is a family history of breast cancer, the doctor will pay attention to regular breast examination with ultrasound or mammography. In addition, women whose family has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or have had ovarian cancer themselves have a higher risk of developing breast cancer as well. In addition, an increased risk of breast cancer is a factor:
- having the BRCa1/BRCA2 gene mutation,
- long-term use of hormonal contraception.
These factors, unfortunately, can affect the higher likelihood of breast cancer, so patients in this group should take special care of breast prevention under the care of a doctor.
Breast ultrasound examination
The most popular method of breast cancer diagnosis is, of course, ultrasound. This is an examination that is worth performing once a year after the age of 20. It is mainly recommended for women before the age of 40, because at this age the breasts are made up of dense glandular tissue, which allows a very accurate ultrasound examination. The ultrasound examination is completely painless and non-invasive. breast ultrasound Some women, however, may experience psychological discomfort during the examination due to the exposure of the body. Breast ultrasound time is usually 10 to 15 minutes. Thanks to the ultrasound, which is produced by the ultrasound machine and then penetrates the skin tissues, it is possible to accurately assess their health condition in real time. During a breast ultrasound, the doctor can not only pick up diseased tissues, but also measure the size, shape and nature of the possible lesion. This is a very effective examination, as it allows the detection of worrying changes of both benign and cancerous nature at a very early stage. The examination is performed using the head of the ultrasound machine and a special gel that facilitates the penetration of ultrasound through the skin and the movement of the head over the skin. With the head of the device, the doctor will carefully examine the entire surface of both breasts and the surrounding nodes located under the armpits. The ultrasound is performed in a comfortable supine position.
Breast examination at home
In addition to examinations using medical equipment, it is also worthwhile to perform breast examination at home Each woman can perform it on her own. To do this, of course, it is necessary to remove the upper part of the garment. So it's worth doing the examination before or after bathing and getting into the habit. The first step in the case of home examination is to visually inspect the breasts. You should stand in front of a mirror and raise both hands upwards. In this position, observe whether the shape of our breasts has changed, whether any thickening or discoloration has appeared, and whether the skin is too tight or wrinkled in an unusual way. breast self-examination at home The same visual examination should be done with your hands on your hips. In addition to observing the appearance of the breasts, you should also pay attention to the nipples, whether their shape is not changing and whether any substance is leaking out of them. This will be checked by lightly squeezing the nipple. The next step when examining the breasts at home is to lift your left hand and place it on the back of your head. In this position, place your other hand on the left breast and, using your three middle fingers, gently move from the top to the bottom of the breast surface. The same should, of course, be repeated with the other breast. It is very important to perform breast palpation examination about 7 – 10 days after your period. All this is due to the fact that during menstruation the breasts are swollen and sensitive, plus water can accumulate in the woman's body. These factors can affect the uncomfortable feeling during the examination and affect the accuracy of the examination. If we detect any abnormalities in the appearance of the breasts or during palpation examination, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Breast examination with a gynecologist will help rule out our doubts. The doctor will expertly assess whether the changes that concern us require further examination. If so, we will certainly get a referral for a detailed ultrasound or mammography.
Mammography
Mammography is a breast examination that is primarily for women over the age of 50. This examination involves taking X-rays of each breast using a special device. Of course, it is a safe and minimally invasive examination. Some women may experience slight pain during the examination, but as a rule, it is a painless examination requiring no special prior preparation from the patient. mammography The examination is performed without clothing, of course. The breasts are placed on a special mammograph stand. They are then pressed from the side and top by the device. In this way, images of each breast are obtained, which covers the entire surface of the breast. The examination takes several minutes. After it is completed, the breast images are described by specialists in terms of the structure of the breast and any changes detected. The examination makes it possible to obtain a very accurate picture of the breast and detect any abnormalities at an early stage of development. This examination is worth repeating prophylactically at least every 2 years. If you are in a risk group, the frequency of mammography should be increased. It is worth taking care of your health and regularly perform breast examination independently at home and under the supervision of specialized equipment. At our OT.CO Clinic, you can benefit from a professional breast ultrasound and immediately get information about the state of their health. We encourage you to make an appointment for a breast ultrasound examination under the watchful eye of our experienced specialists.
Conclusion
Regular breast examinations save lives. Early detection means better treatment and outcomes. Whether it’s a yearly ultrasound, mammogram, or monthly self-exam, staying proactive is key. Knowing your risk factors, monitoring changes, and seeking medical advice promptly can help catch issues before they escalate. Take control of your health—your future self will thank you.
