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By incorporating self-examinations into your routine, you empower yourself with awareness and early detection strategies.
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Regular self-examinations are an essential part of staying aware of your body and detecting any unusual changes early. While professional screenings and medical checkups remain crucial, self-exams serve as an additional proactive measure in identifying potential concerns. Experts recommend performing these examinations routinely to become familiar with your body’s normal state, making it easier to recognize any abnormalities.
Why Self-Examinations Matter
Dr. Nour Abuhadra, MD, Breast Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, emphasizes the importance of self-examinations in early detection. “Regular self-examination is a simple yet effective way to detect potential changes in your body. If you notice any changes, such as a new lump or thickening, seek medical advice promptly. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in preventing and treating serious conditions like cancer.”
Step-by-Step Guide to a Thorough Self-Exam
1. Visual Inspection
Dr. Anita Mamtani, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, advises starting with a mirror examination. “Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed, carefully observing for any visible changes, including skin dimpling, asymmetry, or bulging. Afterward, raise your arms and look again for any changes in how the skin moves or behaves.”
Take note of any:
Skin texture changes, such as dimpling, swelling, or redness
Puckering or changes in shape
Visible lumps or distortions in symmetry
2. Manual Palpation – Standing and Lying Down
Using the pads of your fingers, gently press and rotate in small circles, moving systematically from the outer areas toward the center. “Be sure to use varying levels of pressure—light pressure for surface tissue and firmer pressure to feel deeper tissues,” suggests Dr. Abuhadra.
Dr. Mamtani also recommends checking different positions: “It’s beneficial to perform the examination both standing up and lying down, as some lumps may only be detectable in one position. Don’t forget to check around the nipple for any discharge or changes in size or shape.”
3. Cover All Key Areas
Ensure that you examine all potential areas where abnormalities may appear. Dr. Mamtani highlights lesser-known regions that require attention: “Cover every zone, including the armpits, collarbone area, and even the upper part of the abdomen, where lymph nodes and tissues may present with abnormalities.”
4. Dry vs. Wet Examination
Dr. Abuhadra advises performing the exam in both dry and wet conditions. “Conducting a self-exam in the shower can be helpful, as wet skin allows for smoother movements and may make certain lumps easier to detect.”
When and How Often Should You Perform a Self-Exam?
Both experts agree that self-examinations should be conducted monthly. “Ideally, perform the exam at the same time each month to track any subtle changes,” says Dr. Mamtani. Keeping a journal to record findings can also be useful in monitoring patterns over time.
Key Takeaways for Effective Self-Exams
Perform the exam in front of a mirror, checking for visible changes
Use a systematic approach when palpating the area
Vary the pressure to check different tissue depths
Conduct the exam both standing and lying down
Examine the armpits, collarbone, and upper abdomen
Repeat the exam monthly and seek medical advice if you notice changes
By incorporating these self-examinations into your routine, you empower yourself with awareness and early detection strategies. If you notice any irregularities, consult a medical professional immediately. As Dr. Abuhadra affirms, “Consistency is key—regular self-exams help you become more familiar with your body, making it easier to detect even the smallest of changes.”
