The correct way to do a breast self-examination

Breast disease is a type of disease that currently poses a greater threat to women's breast health. Because breast problems are prone to occur, we need to master some breast self-examination methods so that when abnormalities are found, we can conduct timely examinations to determine whether breast disease exists. Breast disease, like other diseases, needs to be detected and treated early. This is the principle of reducing harm. So, what is the correct way to perform a breast self-examination?

1. Look

Face the mirror with your hands down, and carefully observe whether the two sides of your breasts are symmetrical in size, whether there are any abnormal protrusions, and whether the skin and nipples have sunken or eczema.

2. Touch

Lift your left hand to the back of your head, use your right hand to check your left breast, and gently press the breast with the fingertips to feel whether there are any lumps. Start checking from the nipple in a circular clockwise direction, gradually moving outward (about three or four circles) until the entire breast is checked. Use the same method to check the right breast.

3. Lying down

Lie down flat, place a pillow under your left shoulder, bend your right hand under your head, and repeat the "touch" method to check both breasts.

4. Twist

In addition to the breasts, the armpits should also be checked for any swollen lymph nodes or lumps. Finally, press and twist the nipple with your thumb and index finger, paying attention to whether there is any abnormal secretion.

ps: The best time to do breast self-examination is on the 9th to 11th day after the onset of menstruation (the first day of menstruation is called menstruation). (9th to 11th day after menstruation, when the effect of estrogen on the breast is minimal and the breast is in a relatively static state, making it easier to detect lesions)

If you experience these symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately

1. Breast edema, breast size and shape changes;

2. Changes in nipple shape and position (such as nipple inversion);

3. Blood or other fluids are leaking from the nipple;

4. The breast skin is sunken or eroded;

5. There is a lump or any hard lump in the breast;

6. Any pain or discomfort. (Except for some normal physiological pain)

ps: Every woman's breast shape is different. Breast abnormalities are a comparison with their normal state, so you need to know what your normal breast state is like so that you can detect changes in your breasts. These pains are normal and there is no need to panic.

1. Breast pain during puberty

It usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 13, when girls' breasts begin to develop and there is a slight swelling and pain that disappears on its own as the breasts mature.

2. Premenstrual breast pain

This is caused by increased estrogen levels in the body before menstruation, breast hyperplasia, and edema of the breast interstitial tissue. After the menstrual period, the above symptoms disappear.

3. Breast pain during pregnancy

Some women experience breast pain around 40 days of pregnancy due to changes in estrogen levels in the body, which causes breast hyperplasia and breast enlargement. In severe cases, the pain may last throughout the pregnancy and does not require treatment.

4. Postpartum breast pain

Breast swelling, lumps and pain often occur 3 to 7 days after delivery. This is mainly caused by breast lymph retention, venous congestion, interstitial edema and obstructed mammary ducts.

5. Breast pain after artificial abortion

After an artificial abortion, some women complain of breast tenderness and palpable lumps. This is because the pregnancy is suddenly interrupted and the hormone levels in the body drop sharply, causing the newly developed mammary glands to suddenly stop growing, resulting in breast lumps and breast pain. Of course, breast self-examination is just a simple way to self-examine diseases. Some early breast cancers cannot be detected at all. It is more important for mothers to go to the hospital for regular check-ups!