Breast self–examination and regular doctor visits are the way to every woman’s health!

Dear friends! Today we continue to talk about breast diseases. Galina Polosukhina, oncologist at the A.F. Tsyba MRSC, a branch of the NMIC of Radiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, will talk about breast self–examination, which every representative of the fair sex should conduct regularly. What does each of you need to know to do it right?

First of all, it is important to explain that self-examination is not an alternative to ultrasound or mammography of the mammary glands. Every woman should visit a gynecologist every year and, depending on her age, undergo an examination,” says Galina Gennadievna. – Up to the age of 40, this is usually an ultrasound examination prescribed by a doctor, from 40 to 60 – mammography every two years.

But self-examination is recommended for all women once a month. At reproductive age, it is necessary to be checked on the same day of the menstrual cycle (preferably from the 6th to the 12th), during menopause – on the same day, for example, on the 12th of each month.

6 main stages that every woman is able to perform at home:

Step 1.

Relax, lower your arms along your body. Examine the shape of the breast and the appearance of the nipples in front of the mirror. Answer yourself the following questions: “Have I made any changes? Is there redness, retraction of the nipple or discharge from it, asymmetry, irregularities?”

Step 2.

Raise your hands above your head, look at each breast and ask yourself the same questions again.

Step 3.

Throw your right hand behind your head and gently probe the right breast with your left hand. Do it with the pads, not with your fingertips. Repeat the same with the left raised arm and the left breast (palpation with the right hand).

Step 4.

Gently squeeze the nipple with your index finger and thumb. Is there any discharge from it? If so, what kind of character are they? (milk/mucus/blood/pus).

Step 5.

You need to lie on your back and use three fingers brought together to probe the mammary gland. In order not to miss any part of the breast, we recommend going in a spiral (from the nipple outward in expanding circles.

Be sure to pay attention to the seals, soreness when feeling and any other changes in the consistency of the mammary glands.

Step 6.

Feel both armpits with circular movements. Are there seals? Bumps?

Be sure to carry out these simple manipulations regularly and, if in doubt, consult a doctor. It’s never too late or too early to take care of your health!

Press Service of the NMIC of Radiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia