Breast cancer screening: Recognizing by yourself and Mammogram

 

 

 

     Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Thai women, following cervical cancer. This potentially life-threatening disease can develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Therefore, regular breast examinations can be life-saving. Self-examinations allow women to become familiar with their breasts and more easily detect abnormalities.

 

When Should You Screen for Breast Cancer?

• Self-examination: Monthly, starting from age 20
• Clinical examination by a physician: Annually, starting from age 40
• Mammogram screening: Annually, starting from age 40

 

 

 

---

Women with a family history of breast cancer should consult a physician early, as earlier mammogram screenings may be necessary.

 

 

Three Positions for Breast Self-Examination

1. Standing in Front of a Mirror

Relax your arms at your sides and observe both breasts for any asymmetry, nipple retraction, or visible abnormalities.

 

• Raise both hands overhead, then place them on your waist while observing for changes.
• Lean forward with your hands resting on your knees or a chair. This position allows the breasts to hang naturally, making abnormalities more apparent.

 

2. Lying Down

• Lie in a comfortable position. Place a pillow or rolled towel under your right shoulder (if examining the right breast).
• Raise your right arm above your head to flatten the breast, especially the outer upper quadrant where breast tissue is most dense and where cancer most often develops.
• Use the pads of your index, middle, and ring fingers (on the opposite hand) to palpate the breast and underarm areas. Do not squeeze the breast, as this may cause a false sense of a lump.
• To examine the left breast, repeat the process using the left side accordingly.

 

3. While Bathing

• For women with smaller breasts: Place the hand of the breast being examined on your head and use the opposite hand to palpate, using the same direction as when lying down.
• For women with larger breasts: Support the breast from below with one hand and use the other to examine from above.

 

 

3 Palpation Techniques

1.  Spiral (Circular) Pattern

     Start from the top of the breast and move in a circular motion toward the base near the armpit.

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Wedge (Radial) Pattern

     Move from the top of the breast to the base, then return to the top, repeating in a radial pattern until the entire breast is covered.

 

3.  Vertical Strip (Up-and-Down) Pattern

     Start under the breast and move upwards toward the collarbone, using three fingers in vertical strips across the entire breast area.

 

 

 

Using Three Fingers

• Use the flat pads of the index, middle, and ring fingers (not the fingertips) for better coverage and sensitivity.
• Curve your hand so that all three fingers are flat against the breast.
• Move your fingers in a circular motion across the breast area.

 

 

 

 

 

3 Pressure Levels

• Light Pressure – To feel the tissue just beneath the skin
• Medium Pressure – To feel the mid-level tissue
• Firm Pressure – To reach deeper tissue near the chest wall

 

---

Three Positions, Three Fingers, Three Techniques, Three Pressure Levels – Once a Month This routine fosters familiarity with your breast tissue and allows for early detection of abnormalities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mammogram Screening for Breast Cancer

     There are two types of mammogram technology, with Digital Mammogram with Tomosynthesis being a modern method for breast cancer screening. This includes both traditional film-based and newly developed digital systems that offer enhanced clarity, speed, and accuracy and reduced radiation exposure.

 

Benefits of Mammogram Screening

• Identifies the borders of any lumps.
• Uses advanced imaging to detect abnormalities
• Employs high-frequency ultrasound to differentiate between solid masses and cysts
• Both screening methods (film and digital) can be used during the same session.

 

 

 

 

 

Q&A: Common Concerns About Mammograms

1. Is a mammogram painful?

     Today, there are two types of mammograms. The newer digital version provides clearer images and more precise localization of abnormalities. It also causes significantly less discomfort, as the compression is gentler than traditional film-based machines. Our hospital uses the digital mammography system.

 

2. Is radiation from a mammogram dangerous?

     Mammograms use very low levels of radiation—comparable to or even less than a chest X-ray. The digital version reduces radiation exposure by approximately 30–60%.

 

3. If a mammogram shows no abnormalities, does that mean I don't have breast cancer?

     A clear mammogram only indicates that no signs of cancer were found at that time. Cancer may still develop later or be present without showing up in the scan. This is why regular self-examinations and age-appropriate mammogram screenings are crucial, especially for women aged 40 and above, who should receive annual mammograms for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

 

4. How to Care For and Prevent Breast Cancer:

• Perform monthly breast self-examinations (7–10 days after menstruation ends)
• Undergo annual physical breast exams by a physician.
• Receive mammogram screenings at the recommended age.

 

Watch the video: Breast Cancer Awareness