Breast Self-Exams: A Crucial Step for Early Detection

Early detection is key to successful breast cancer treatment. One of the most effective tools for early detection is the breast self-exam. By regularly examining your breasts, you can become familiar with their normal appearance and feel, making it easier to identify any changes that may require medical attention and breast cancer treatment in Houston.

Why Breast Self-Exams Matter

Breast self-exams empower you to take an active role in your breast health. While mammograms are essential for screening, regular self-exams can help you detect changes between mammograms. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of a full recovery.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a breast self-exam:

1. Know your breasts: Familiarize yourself with the normal look and feel of your breasts. Pay attention to their size, shape, and texture and any lumps or bumps.
2. Choose the right time: The best time to perform a breast self-exam is a few days after your menstrual period ends, when your breasts are less tender.
3. Inspect your breasts visually: Look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms at your sides, raised overhead, and on your hips. Check for any changes in size, shape, or color. Look for any unusual dimpling, puckering, or nipple changes.
4. Feel your breasts: Lie down and use your fingertips to feel your breasts gently, using small, circular motions. Cover your entire breast, including the outer edges and underarm area.
5. Feel your breasts while standing or sitting: Raise your arm and feel your breast using the same circular motion.
6. Check your nipples: Gently squeeze your nipples to check for any discharge.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

• Painful lumps: Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many benign (noncancerous) breast changes can cause lumps that are painful or tender.
• Dense breasts: Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities on a mammogram. However, regular self-exams can help identify changes early.
• Fear of finding something: It's natural to feel anxious about finding something abnormal. Remember, early detection is key, and finding a problem early can improve your chances of a successful treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice any of the following changes in your breasts, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional:

• A new lump or mass.
• A change in the size, shape, or consistency of a lump.
• Nipple discharge, especially if it's bloody or clear.
• A change in the skin over your breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
• A sudden change in the size or shape of your breast.

Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services

In addition to breast self-exams, regular breast screening and diagnostic services such as mammograms are essential for early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms can detect abnormalities in breast tissue that may not be noticeable during a self-exam. If an abnormality is detected, further diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds or biopsies may be necessary.

If you're diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a variety of treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Our breast cancer treatment in Houston focuses on comprehensive treatments and compassionate care.

By incorporating breast self-exams into your routine, you can play an active role in your breast health and increase your chances of early detection. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment.

Learn more about the Comprehensive Breast Center at TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital for breast screening and diagnostic services. Visit our self-exam guide page, or explore more to learn more about treatment options. Then, visit our Find a Houston Doctor directory page to find the right breast surgeon near you.