Various studies have shown that manual self-examination is not a good method for early detection of breast cancer. However, it helps raise breast cancer awareness. If self-examination causes anxiety, you may want to avoid it. It may be more difficult to manage your mental health.
A woman who regularly examines herself monthly may be more likely to detect a lump in her breast earlier.
For the examination, the patient stands upright in front of a mirror in a well-lit environment, with her arms hanging down to either side of her body. In this position, the breasts are examined to see if they are the same size and shape as they were a month ago, and to see if there are any changes to the skin surface and nipple. The patient should also look for redness, a palpable lump, and especially any indentation or retraction of the nipple. The arms are then raised to examine the shape, size, and surface of the breast.
In a lying-down manual examination, the arm is raised above the head to flatten the breast and tense the chest muscles. A horizontal, parallel line is drawn from the armpit to the nipple and from the breastbone to the nipple. Not every change detected in breast tissue is a tumor. Normally, breast tissue consists of small lumps. These lumps become more visible or irregular before menstruation. If in doubt, consult a doctor.