We celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, but as men and women we should always be aware of any physical changes to our anatomy. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Male breast cancer is rare and makes up approximately 1% of diagnosed cases.

Here’s a guide on how to conduct a breast self-exam in the comfort of your own home.

What are you looking for? Any changes to your breast such as:

  • Changes to the contour
  • Swelling or dimpling of the skin
  • Changes to the nipples
  • Lumps
  • Thickening in certain areas or a hardening knot
  • Discharge from nipples

Women

Women should conduct a self-exam at least once a month. You can literally do it anywhere – in the shower, in front of the mirror, even lying down.

In the shower

Inspect the entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside (including the armpit region) to the centre, using only the pads of your fingers.

In front of a mirror

Visually inspect your breast with your arms at your sides. Pay special attention to the contour and any other visible changes. Then, raise your arms above your head, and repeat the inspection. Lastly, rest your palms on your hips and firmly flex your chest muscles to check for any puckering.

Lying down

Lie down on a flat surface and place a pillow under your right arm, behind your head. Starting with your left hand, inspect your right breast by moving the pads of your fingers in circular motions. Start under your armpit and end at the centre of the breast. Repeat with your left breast.

Men

In front of a mirror

Using the finger pads of your right hand check your left breast, by firmly pressing in small clockwise circles. Start under your armpit and spiral toward you nipple. Repeat the sequence using your left hand to inspect your right breast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mammogram, an ultrasound and a breast MRI?

Mammograms, breast ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast are classified as imaging tests.

Mammograms are x-rays if of the breast. It is usually taken from two different angles. The breast is placed between two metal plates and then pressed between two plates, to flatten and spread the tissue. If a lump or suspicious mass is detected the doctor will request a biopsy or an ultrasound to determine the nature of the mass.

Breast ultrasounds are a painless process done with the use of sonography. Sonography uses sound waves to outline the shape of the body. The sound waves pick up echoes as it bounces off the body’s tissue. These echoes are then converted to a black and white image using computer technology. Ultrasounds help to distinguish the difference between cysts (fluid-filled sacs) and solid masses. It can also aid in determining whether a mass is benign or malignant.

Breast MRI’s is a lengthy screening process. The patient is injected with a contrast liquid, called gadolinium, to enhance the details of the scan. MRI machines use radio waves, magnets and computer technology to translate the patterns absorbed by the energy of the radio waves into a very detailed image.

What’s the difference between a benign and malignant tumour?

Benign tumours are not cancerous and its cells cannot spread to other parts of the body. Depending on its location, it can usually be removed with a minimal chance of growing back.

Malignant tumours are cancerous. They are made up of cancerous cells that grow and multiply out of control, to invade nearby tissues. These cells could ultimately spread to the entire body infecting other organs too.

What are the various stages of breast cancer?

There are six in total, ranging from Stage 0 (non-invasive cancer) to Stage 5 (spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body (secondary cancer or metastasis). And lastly, the Recurrent stage, when the disease returns despite initial treatment.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy (chemo) is a systematic treatment that affects not only the cancerous areas but also the entire body via the bloodstream. It is designed to stop the growth cancer cells by destroying the cancer cells or stunt the division of cancer cells.  Breast cancer is usually treated with a combination of chemo medicines.

What is a mastectomy?

A surgical operation to remove a breast.

I don’t have a history of cancer in my family; does this mean I am exempt from developing breast cancer?

No. People who inherit a faulty BRCA1 or BRAC2 gene are at a higher risk of developing cancer and should therefore schedule annual screenings. This, however, does not mean that you are not susceptible. Women between the ages of 20 – 40 years should schedule a screen every three years, and women who are over 40 years should go annually.

At what age am I more susceptible to develop breast cancer?

Eighty-percent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Most men are diagnosed are over 60.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and the chances of developing it increases with age. Breast self-exams serve as a hands-on way of keeping abreast of changes in your body, but should never replace medical screenings.

Learn more here.