Darrick Robles Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. The RKI (Robert Koch Institute) estimates that around 69,700 women and 750 men fall ill each year in Germany. Breast cancer is usually treatable if it is detected at an early stage.
“The earlier breast cancer is treated, the better the prognosis,” says gynecologist Dr. Elisabeth Rosen. She therefore recommends that all patients not only go for annual check -ups, but also regularly examine their breasts themselves.
When is the best time for a breast exam?
“Every woman should have her breasts checked regularly, ideally once a month. Over time, you develop a sense of how the breast normally feels and can better feel for changes that could indicate breast cancer,” says Dr. Rosen. Ideally, you should do a breast exam on the same day of each month During menopause, the best time is a few days after your period.
Like the rest of the body, the breasts respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle . For example, many women find that their breasts are swollen or even painful in the week before menstruation. This is not the best time for an investigation.
Even after the menopause , you should do the self-examination on the same day every month.
When should I go for a breast exam?
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. If your gynecologist invites you to a check-up, you should definitely go. The aim of the examinations is to detect breast cancer at an early stage.
For women over the age of 30 , the statutory health insurance companies pay for one medical screening examination per year. The chest and armpits are palpated. Your doctor will also show you how the self-examination works so that you can do it regularly at home.
Women between the ages of 50 and 69 are invited for mammography screening every 2 years. This is an X-ray examination, which is also covered by health insurance companies. This may be followed by an ultrasound examination.
How do I know what is normal?
“Women should pay attention to their breasts, armpits, and nipples and develop tissue sensitivity,” says Dr. Rosen. Regular self-examinations will help you become familiar with what’s normal for your breasts
- Skin color
- skin texture
- Feel and shape of your breasts
- The look, feel and shape of the nipples.
Breast self-examination: Here’s how
Stand in front of the mirror with your shoulders straight. Prop your arms on your hips.
Pay attention to the following:
- Are your breasts the same size and shape as usual?
- Is there any visible swelling?
- Are there changes in the color or texture of the breasts, armpits, or nipples?
- Do you notice lumps or indentations?
- Has the position of a nipple changed?
- Also, check if the nipples are leaking when you gently squeeze them between your thumb and forefinger.
Now fold your arms over your head and observe points 1 to 5. Feel your chest from the outside in for hardening and knots. Also, remember to check the armpits. Repeat the palpation while lying down.
When should I get a medical exam?
“It’s perfectly normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other, for example. Most women have slightly asymmetrical breasts. What to look out for are unusual changes. That is, for changes and symptoms that weren’t there before,” says Dr. roses.
Always visit a doctor’s office if you notice any of the following changes:
- A new lump, bump, swelling, or hardening in a breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of your breasts
- A change in the skin, such as B. wrinkles, redness, discoloration, orange peel skin
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- Any change in the position of the nipple – e.g. B. when she has moved in
- New side differences of the breasts in size, position or shape, e.g. B. when raising your arms
- New breast discomfort or pain (although pain is a less common symptom of breast cancer)
What happens if I discover a knot?
“A breast lump does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. About 4 out of 5 breast lumps are benign,” explains Dr. roses.
It may turn out that you just have a cyst in your breast, a fluid-filled cavity.
It could also be a fibroadenoma – a benign, firm growth of connective or glandular tissue. About 10 percent of all women between the ages of 15 and 35 develop fibroadenomas.
Most cysts go away on their own and are nothing to worry about. However, if a cyst is large or causing discomfort, the fluid can be suctioned out. Fibroadenomas can also disappear over time. In some cases, surgery (excisional biopsy) may be needed to remove them.
While most knots are nothing to worry about, you shouldn’t ignore them to spot serious changes in time. If you discover a lump in your breast, you should always have a doctor examine you.
