Quick Guide on Checking for Lumps on your Breasts

According to a study conducted by Globocon 2020, every 4 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in India. This is alarming because this number still does not account for all the women who do not have the access to proper health care for this screening. This number could be in thousands or millions, one cannot ascertain precisely. This article is especially addressed to all those women who do not have the resources or the access. This is your guide to be able to examine yourself under any conditions, anywhere with just the use of your own hands.

Here is a step by step guide for Breast self examination (BSE)-

1.    Be unclothed on the upper part of your body and raise either of your arms above your head. In this position, the elbow should protrude outwardly and your hands should support your head.

2.    Now, with the help of your fingers (excluding the thumb) gently press down at the area of your armpit right up till the breast of the side where your arm is raised. Occasionally, press firmly on areas with greater fatty tissue to fully get access to the areas underneath.

3.    Whilst doing this, check to feel any lumps, hardened knots or thick areas on your breast.

4.    Repeat this process for the other side.

Once you have done this, the next step is to look for visual clues to detect any lumps. They are as follows -

1.    Be unclothed on the upper part of your body and stand in front of a mirror.

2.    Examine your breasts closely. Look for discolouration, swelling or dimples on the skin of your breasts.

3.    Also, keep your hands on your waist firmly and raise your shoulders to flex your pectoral muscles. As you do that, check for any changes or visual abnormalities.

In case you feel any discomfort or have observed abnormalities in your self examination, it is best you speak to your health care provider immediately. Sohana Hospital, Mohali has a highly advanced cancer research institute and Oncology department in the whole of Chandigarh, that not only detects various varieties of cancer but also treats them with utmost care. With state of the art equipment for surgical and medical oncology and the best radiotherapytreatment provided, Sohana Hospital has garnered its goodwill through satisfied patients in North India and across various parts of the world. Technologically advanced equipments such as HD PET CT scanner with LSO Crystal Technology, Gamma Camera (Nuclear Scans), CT Scans, MRI, Digital Mammography, High end Ultrasound machines, Dexa Scans etc. are used for a comprehensive diagnosis alongside expert guidance from the best cancer specialists.