October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing hope to survivors and information to women across the world. Doctors explain that, like other cancers, breast cancer has a much higher survival rate if it is detected early.  It’s important to pay close attention to any changes in your breasts and to seek evaluation in a timely manner.   Mammograms are also a vital tool to identify early breast cancer and often detect changes that are not obvious on exam.  

 Here is a brief guide for how to conduct your own breast exam and what to look for.

Spotting Breast Cancer Early

How Are Breast Self-Exams Performed? 

These exams should be conducted in both standing and lying positions to make it easier to spot changes. If you are standing or sitting, situate yourself in front of a mirror to look for visible differences between your breasts. Use your hands to feel the tissue, and pay attention to thickened areas, changes in contour, or knots. If you are lying down, use circular motions to evaluate the breast tissue, and also check the armpit tissue for irregularities. 

What Should You Look For? 

As you move your hands across your breast tissue, look for spots that feel different from the surrounding tissue. Lumps, changes in skin texture, or even coloration changes can be a sign of underlying cancer growth. Shrinkage of the breast tissue or dimpling can also be indicative of problems, so report breast changes to your doctor as soon as possible. 

Doctors can further use clinical exams, mammograms, and even sonograms to carefully inspect the underlying tissue, helping you to detect cancer early.

If you have questions about how to perform a self-exam or you need a second opinion, talk with the doctors at Mayer Clinic. Based out of Fairbanks, AK, this trusted family practice can help with everything from wellness checks and preventative cancer screenings to general surgery. With more than 26 years of experience, Drs. John and Natalie Mayer have been helping local residents live their best lives since 2006. To learn more about their practice, visit their website or give them a call at (907) 457-5050.