The Importance of Breast Self-Examination

Breast self-examination is a basic health skill that every woman should master. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, there are more than 4,000 new cases of breast cancer in Hong Kong every year, and the incidence rate is increasing at a rate of 3-4% per year. This means that 1 in 16 women in Hong Kong may develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The 5-year survival rate for early-detected breast cancer patients has reached 90%, highlighting the importance of regular self-examinations.

Many women believe that breast health requires attention only at a certain age. But in fact, breast cancer can occur at any age. Through regular self-examinations, women can better know the normal condition of their breasts and detect any abnormal changes over time. This ability to self-awareness plays a crucial role in detecting potential problems early.

It is important to note that breast self-examination should not be an off-stage sub-session of a specialist's session。 The Hong Kong Health Bureau recommends that women over 20 years old have a breast self-examination once a month, and women over 40 years old should have an annual breast self-examinationFemale Doctoror clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional. These two testing methods complement each other and form a complete safety net for breast health.

The best time to do a breast self-examination

Choosing the right time for breast self-examination can improve the accuracy and comfort of the examination. For women who still have menstrual cycles, this is the best time to check in within 1 week after the end of menstruation. This is because hormone levels in a woman's body during the menstrual cycle can affect breast tissue, causing temporary swelling and breast tenderness. After menstruation, these symptoms are usually reduced and the breasts return to a relatively stable state, making it easier to detect abnormalities during examination.

Postmenopausal women can choose a fixed day each month to get tested. For example, choosing the first day of the month or the anniversary of each month can help you remember patterns and create shapes. According to the Hong Kong Family Planning Association, establishing a routine for regular check-ups increases the likelihood that women will continue to self-diagnose.

in progressPhysical examination of womenprofessionalFemale DoctorIn addition to regular self-examination, it is generally recommended to pay attention to the following schedule:

• During pregnancy: noticeable changes in the breasts that require special attention
• While breastfeeding: watch out for unusual bumps and pain
• While taking hormonal drugs: Medications can affect breast tissue

Breast self-examination procedure

A complete breast self-examination consists of three main parts: observation, contact, and armpit examination. While these steps may seem straightforward, they require caution and patience to ensure a comprehensive review.

observation

Stand in front of a shiny mirror, take off your top and bra, and observe your breasts. Naturally place your hands at your sides, then raise your hands above your head, and finally place your hands on your hips and press your buttocks firmly (this will contract your pectoral muscles). In these three poses, observe carefully.

• If the size and shape of the breasts are symmetrical
• If the skin has dimples, wrinkles, or abnormal protrusions
• The presence or absence of dimples, changes in direction, abnormal discharge from the nipples
• There is no change in skin color, such as redness or orange peel-like changes

contact

If your skin is smooth, your fingers will also be smooth, so it's a good idea to check how it feels while taking a shower. Examine your left chest with your right hand and your right breast with your left hand. Using the pads of your fingers instead of your fingertips, make circular movements from the breast to the nipple to ensure that all breast tissue is examined. The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation recommends two attitudes:

1. In the shower: raise your arm and check with your other hand
2. When lying down: Place a pillow under your shoulders so that your chest is flat against the chest wall to make it easier to touch the deep tissues

Check your armpits

Many women tend to neglect to examine their armpits, but in fact, the lymph nodes in the armpits are often used as metastatic sites for breast cancer. Gently touch the armpit area with the pads of your fingers to feel a lump or an abnormally enlarged lymph node. According to a study by the University of Hong Kong, about 20% of breast cancer patients first discovered armpit abnormalities.

How to determine breast abnormalities?

During breast self-examination, it is essential to understand what abnormal changes are. According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, more than 80% of breast lumps are benign, but they still require expert evaluation. Here are some unusual signs to look out for:

It should be noted that in most cases, breast pain is not related to breast cancer, and according to data from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, only about 2% of breast cancer patients have pain as their primary symptom. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by other abnormalities, you should still look for itFemale DoctorEvaluation.

What to do if abnormalities are found?

If you notice anything unusual during a self-examination, the most important thing is not to panic and calm down. According to a survey by the Hong Kong Health Bureau, about 30% of women delay seeing a doctor because they are mainly scared or busy after discovering breast abnormalities, thinking that the problem is not serious. However, early diagnosis and treatment have a decisive impact on the prognosis.

The correct steps after an abnormality is discovered are as follows:

1. Record any anomalies found (location, size, time of discovery, etc.).
2. Book an expert: You can choose your family doctor, gynecologist or breast specialist
3. Be prepared to answer relevant questions: When you see a doctor, you can ask about possible causes of abnormalities and tests that need to be done.

Breast cancer screening services are available in both public and private clinics in Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, women over 40 should consider regular professional treatment, even if they are asymptomaticPhysical examination of women, including mammography (mammography).

Breast self-examination is the first step to protecting breast health

Breast self-examination is a simple, free and effective way to monitor your health. A study by the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong pointed out that women who regularly undergo breast self-examination are usually in the early stages of breast cancer, which significantly improves treatment effectiveness and survival.

To establish good self-examination habits, you can:

• Set phone reminders: Check in at a set time each month
• Sharing Memories with Friends and Family: Building a Support Network
• Participate in community education activities: learn other specialized inspection techniques

Remember that breast self-examination is not a sub-stop, but it is an important tool for women to stay healthy. The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that all women incorporate breast self-examination into their daily wellness routine, which is as natural as brushing their teeth or exercising. With this simple action, you can build a first line of health defense.

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