With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness, it’s the perfect time to spread the word about the importance of breast exams. These are integral to women’s health, allowing for earlier cancer detection—one major factor in determining a person’s prognosis. Here are two procedures you can use to look for breast cancer signs.

Breast Self-Exam

A breast self-exam is something you can do at home. First, make a visual check, looking for any alterations in size, shape, or color. Make note of any oddities, like dimples, puckering, or bulging skin, as well as alterations in the nipple—i.e. if it has become inverted. Do this visual review first with your arms by your sides and then with them raised over your head.

Next, feel your breasts for any lumps or bumps. Put the left arm over your head, using your right hand to check the left breast. Reverse and do the other side. You should do this standing as well as lying down. A self-exam should be done once per month. These instructions can help.

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam is performed by a women’s health professional. They will check your breasts’ visual appearance and also conduct a manual exam. To do this, they use the pads of their fingers to check the entire breast, collarbone, and underarm area for lumps or abnormalities. If anything is off, they may order further tests, like a biopsy.

You should get a clinical breast exam from a women’s health professional every one to three years starting at age 20. If you have a history of cancer in the family, for instance, an annual check is recommended. Starting from age 40, a clinical breast exam should be done every year. 

Located in Statesboro, GA, Moogerfeld Internal Medicine offers a comprehensive range of primary health care services, including clinical breast exams. Dr. Brian and Dr. Maria Moogerfeld and their team create a comfortable environment where you will feel at ease. Learn about their range of services, from standard physicals to women’s health care, online. For an appointment, call (912) 681-7111.