Physical Health
The First Step to Preventing Breast Cancer

While breast cancer screening does not directly prevent the disease, it can help detect abnormal cells at an early stage, making treatment easier and more effective. Methods of screening include Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) by medical professionals, and mammography.

Simple Steps for Monthly Breast Self-Examination

It is recommended that women perform a breast self-exam once a month, 7-10 days after their menstrual cycle. The process includes:

1. Visual Examination

Relaxed Position:

  • Stand with arms relaxed at the sides and compare both breasts.
  • Observe any changes in contour, shape, or skin color.
  • Check for dimpling, puckering, or changes in the skin texture.
  • Examine the nipples for sores, scabs, oiliness, discharge, or any other abnormalities.

Arms Raised Position:

  • Look at the breasts from the front and sides to check for dimpling or irregularities.
  • Observe the symmetry of breast shape.

Hands-on-Hips and Leaning Forward Position:

  • Check the nipple positions.
  • Ensure the breasts maintain their natural shape and balance.
  • Observe whether both breasts hang evenly.

2. Manual Examination

  • Use the upper pads of three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) to palpate the breast.
  • Apply three levels of pressure:
    • Light: To feel beneath the skin.
    • Medium: To feel the middle layer of the breast tissue.
    • Firm: To examine deeper tissue near the chest wall.
  • Start from the lower edge of the bra line and move up to the collarbone, including the underarm area to the center of the chest.

Steps for Manual Examination

  1. Lie down and place a folded towel under your shoulder while raising the corresponding arm above your head.
  2. Move fingers up and down from the underarm toward the breast, using all three levels of pressure, progressing in small sections.
  3. Continue this up-and-down motion until reaching the center of the chest, ensuring the entire breast is examined.
  4. Repeat the same process for the other breast.

For women with larger breasts, remove the towel under the shoulder when examining the nipple area to ensure proper examination of the inner breast tissue.

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical evaluation promptly:

  • A lump or thickening in the breast tissue.
  • Bloody or unusual nipple discharge.
  • Changes in breast shape or size.
  • Dimpling, puckering, or skin discoloration on the breast.

Beyond celebrating women’s achievements and supporting one another, it is essential to prioritize personal health. Taking care of breast health is not just an individual concern—it affects families, loved ones, and society as a whole.
Regular health check-ups reduce the risk of severe illness and contribute to overall well-being.

Advanced Screening

Earn 1,000 AIA Vitality points for each eligible advanced screening such as Pap Smear and HIV.

Recommendation Prompt

SOURCES:

  • Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health
  • World Health Organization (WHO)