Early Detection Tips: How to Identify Breast Cancer Yourself with Guidance

Early Detection Tips: How to Identify Breast Cancer Yourself with Guidance

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Early detection is critical for successful treatment and better outcomes. Aspire Physio, a leading physical rehabilitation centre, offers essential guidance on how to identify breast cancer early through self-examination and awareness. This blog outlines practical steps, supported by evidence-based research, to help you detect potential signs of breast cancer at an early stage.

Understanding Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. These cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. While regular medical screenings are essential, self-examinations can also play a crucial role in identifying potential issues early on. Knowing your own body and recognizing changes is a powerful step towards early detection and successful treatment.

The Importance of Early Detection:

Early detection of breast cancer can lead to more effective treatment options and significantly improve survival rates. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer (cancer that hasn't spread outside the breast) is 99%. However, this rate drops when cancer spreads to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Regular self-exams, along with professional screenings, can help detect cancer early when it's most treatable.

Early Detection Tips by Aspire Physio:

1. Perform Regular Breast Self-Exams (BSE): Breast self-exams are a simple and effective way to become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to notice any changes. Aspire Physio recommends performing a BSE once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends when breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender.

How to Perform a BSE:

1. • Step 1: Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look for any visible changes in size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts. Check for dimpling, puckering, or changes in the skin texture. Notice if there's any nipple inversion (turning inward) or visible lumps.
   • Step 2: Raise Your Arms: Raise your arms and look for the same changes. This position allows you to see the underside of your breasts and any changes that might not be visible in the previous position.
   • Step 3: Check for Fluid: While still in front of the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge. Note any unusual fluid, whether it is watery, milky, or bloody.
   • Step 4: Lying Down: Lie down and use your right hand to feel your left breast and your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads, keeping fingers flat and together. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side – from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women.
   • Step 5: Standing or Sitting: Feel your breasts while standing or sitting, which is often easier to do in the shower. Cover the entire breast area using the same hand movements described above. Being in the shower allows your hands to glide easily over your wet skin.
2. Know the Signs and Symptoms: Understanding the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer can help you identify potential issues early.

Common Signs to Look For:

1. • A new lump or mass: The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. They can even be painful.
   • Swelling of part or all of the breast: Even if no lump is felt, look for swelling.
   • Skin irritation or dimpling: This might appear like an orange peel.
   • Breast or nipple pain
   • Nipple retraction: The nipple turning inward.
   • Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
   • Nipple discharge: Other than breast milk, particularly if it's bloody.
2. Maintain Regular Screening: While self-exams are important, they should not replace regular screenings. Mammograms and clinical breast exams performed by healthcare professionals are vital for early detection. Aspire Physio encourages women to follow the recommended screening guidelines for their age and risk level.

Screening Recommendations:

• • Women aged 40 to 44: Have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so.
  • Women aged 45 to 54: Should get mammograms every year.
  • Women aged 55 and older: Should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.

Women at higher risk of breast cancer (due to family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors) should be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms, typically starting at an earlier age.

1. Understand Your Risk Factors: Knowing your risk factors can help you be more vigilant about breast cancer detection.

Risk Factors Include:

1. • Age: Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
   • Family History: Having close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer increases your risk.
   • Genetic Mutations: Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
   • Personal History: If you’ve had breast cancer before or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
   • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30.
   • Reproductive History: Starting menstruation before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones longer, raising their risk.
   • Dense Breasts: Having dense breasts can make it harder to see tumours on a mammogram and is also a risk factor for breast cancer.
   • Hormone Therapy: Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) taken during menopause.
   • Lifestyle Factors: Being overweight or obese, not being physically active, drinking alcohol, and smoking.
2. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Healthy Habits to Adopt:

• • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.
  • Stay Physically Active: Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and may help lower the risk of breast cancer.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health. Limit intake of red meat and processed foods.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation is to limit yourself to less than one drink per day.
  • Avoid Smoking: There is growing evidence that smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Early Detection:

Research underscores the importance of early detection in improving breast cancer outcomes:

• Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Journal: A study published in this journal found that women who perform regular self-exams are more likely to detect breast abnormalities early, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
• American Cancer Society: According to the American Cancer Society, early detection through self-exams, clinical exams, and mammograms can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality rates. The ACS states that the five-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer is 99%.
• National Cancer Institute: The National Cancer Institute highlights that early-stage breast cancer has a higher survival rate, emphasizing the importance of early detection practices. They stress that breast cancer detected at the earliest stage has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate, compared to lower survival rates when cancer is detected at later stages.

Aspire Physio's Role in Breast Cancer Awareness:

Aspire Physio is committed to promoting breast cancer awareness and providing resources to help women understand and manage their breast health. Through educational programs, workshops, and personalized guidance, Aspire Physio empowers women to take proactive steps in identifying breast cancer early.

Educational Programs: Aspire Physio offers various educational programs aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer. These programs cover:

• The importance of regular breast self-exams.
• How to perform self-exams correctly.
• Understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
• The role of lifestyle in reducing breast cancer risk.

Workshops: Aspire Physio organizes hands-on workshops where women can learn and practice breast self-exams under professional guidance. These workshops provide:

• Practical demonstrations on self-exam techniques.
• Personalized feedback and corrections to ensure proper technique.
• Discussions on common myths and facts about breast cancer.

Personalized Guidance: Aspire Physio provides one-on-one consultations where women can receive personalized advice and support for breast health. These sessions include:

• Detailed risk assessments based on personal and family history.
• Customized screening schedules.
• Nutritional counselling to support a healthy lifestyle.
• Stress management techniques to reduce overall health risks.

The Importance of a Support System: Navigating breast cancer detection and treatment can be overwhelming. Having a strong support system is crucial for emotional and mental well-being.

Conclusion:

Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. By performing regular breast self-exams, staying informed about the signs and symptoms, maintaining regular screenings, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly improve your chances of detecting breast cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Aspire Physio stands as a supportive partner in your journey towards better breast health, offering expert guidance and resources to help you stay vigilant and informed.

Remember, your health is in your hands. Take proactive steps today to safeguard your tomorrow.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your breast or have concerns about your breast health.

By. Dr.Chitra Chand (Physical Assessment Analyst)