October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Self-examinations are a powerful tool for early detection of lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities that could indicate serious health conditions. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to perform self-exams for breast, skin, and other areas, helping you stay proactive about your health.

Why are Self-Examinations Important?

• Early detection can lead to early treatment, improving survival rates.
• Self-exams empower individuals to take control of their health.
• Easy to perform at home, requiring no special equipment.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination?

Breast self-exams are crucial for women (and men) to spot any changes early. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: In the Shower
  Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in circular motions from the outside to the center. Check for any hard lumps, knots, or thickened areas.
• Step 2: In Front of a Mirror
  With your arms at your sides, look for any changes in the size, shape, or contour of each breast. Raise your arms and check again for visible changes. Gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge.
• Step 3: Lying Down
  Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Use your left hand to feel your right breast in small circular motions, covering the entire breast and armpit area. Repeat for the left breast using your right hand.

When To See A Doctor

If you notice any of the following, schedule a medical consultation immediately:

• A lump that feels different from the rest of your breast or body tissue.
• Changes in the skin over the lump, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering.
• Persistent nipple discharge or changes in nipple appearance.
• Any changes in moles or skin texture that seem unusual.

Self-examinations are a simple, non-invasive way to keep tabs on your health. By performing regular checks and staying informed, you can be your own health advocate and catch potential issues early. Remember, early detection saves lives, so stay proactive, and if you find anything abnormal, reach out to a SAIN specialist for further guidance and care.

Contact SAIN today to schedule a professional screening or consultation with one of our specialists. Your health is your most important asset—don’t wait!

Contact us at +52 653 5367800 or email info@sainmedical.com

References:

• World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, March 13). Breast cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
• About breast cancer | Breast cancer Overview and Basics. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about.html https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/tipos/cancer-de-seno/acerca.html
• Team, N. (2024, August 1). Breast Self-Exam. National Breast Cancer Foundation. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/ https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/