- Know the 7 steps to perform a breast self-exam
- Early detection of breast abnormalities is essential to prevent the disease
The month of October is the month of awareness for breast cancer. It is a time to alert the Portuguese population to the awareness and need for early diagnosis of this disease. The breast self-exam is considered a fundamental element to be alert to the symptoms.
Knowing how to perform the breast self-exam is extremely important at a time when the incidence of breast cancer increasingly affects a younger population.
The month of October is the month of awareness for breast cancer. It is a time to alert the Portuguese population to the awareness and need for early diagnosis of this disease. The breast self-exam is considered a fundamental element to be alert to the symptoms. Knowing how to perform the breast self-exam is extremely important at a time when the incidence of breast cancer increasingly affects a younger population.
According to plastic surgeon Dr Eduardo Matos, “Currently there is an awareness among Portuguese women regarding the dangers of breast cancer. However, it is important to follow some steps to equip the person with the ability to detect the problem early.” In addition to the breast self-exam, Dr Eduardo Matos also emphasizes “that it is important to talk to your family doctor, undergo regular exams, such as blood tests or mammograms,” to detect any eventuality still in the early stage.
Screening tests are a vital guarantee to prevent any disease situation. Discussing with your doctor during a consultation, and asking questions about when to start and how often to get screened for the disease, are very important steps in combating one of the diseases that most affects the Portuguese population, especially the female population.
The importance of regular screening, which is recommended between the ages of 50-69 with exams every 2 years, is a step to keep in mind. However, if there are associated risk factors such as a family history of the disease, exams should be performed between the ages of 30 and 45.
Small gestures can save a life:
The breast self-exam should be performed monthly to assess any changes in the breasts. The best time to perform the breast self-exam is about a week after menstruation (at the end of the menstrual period). According to Dr Eduardo Matos, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, “If a woman does not have a regular menstrual cycle, she should preferably perform the self-exam on the same day of each month.”
If you notice anything unusual during the exam, you should always contact your doctor as soon as possible. There are 7 simple steps to follow, so it is important to take note:
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Your arms should be hanging down and relaxed at your sides.
- Compare both breasts, considering their size and shape. It is perfectly normal for one breast to be larger than the other. Look for any visible signs of lumps or small bumps on the skin around the breast.
- After checking the general appearance of the breast, focus on the nipple area. Pay attention to any presence of lumps or any type of visible discharge in this area.
- Raise your right arm and examine the right breast with your left hand. Gently press with your fingertips and feel the entire breast. This is a moment of the self-exam that allows you to feel the presence of any lumps that may not be visible before palpation.
- Next, use your right hand to massage the left armpit and the area beneath the breast. Again, this step intends to detect any abnormal formations in the region you are observing.
- Finally, repeat these same steps on the left breast to complete the exam.
According to the specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, “the self-exam at no time replaces exams such as a mammogram or any other recommendation from the family doctor.” If you notice any changes in the breast area, you should immediately contact your doctor and undergo the necessary tests to assess the situation.
About Dr. Eduardo Matos:
A licensed physician in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra. He completed his residency in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon. Throughout his training, he had experiences in various top hospitals and clinics abroad, specifically in the U.S. and Brazil.
He holds a position as a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, where he seeks to teach the history and principles of Plastic Surgery to his students. A specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (Medical Association registration – 47569), he is the team leader at the Hospital de Santa Maria, where he coordinates post-bariatric body contouring surgery and Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Portuguese Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He is currently the Clinical Director of the Bívar Clinic in Lisbon. For more information:
www.eduardomatos.pt and www.bivarclinic.pt
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