How to self-examine your breasts to detect breast cancer early

Many people mistakenly believe that larger breasts are more susceptible to cancer or that nipple tenderness before menstruation is a sign of breast cancer.

According to Dr See Hui Ti, Parkway Cancer Centre, Singapore, there are four common misconceptions among women about breast cancer today.

Women with large breasts are more susceptible to cancer

According to statistics in Singapore, one in 10 to 15 women have breast cancer. The notion that women with large breasts are more likely to get breast cancer is incorrect. In fact, the risk of getting this disease increases with age. Women aged 55 to 59 have the highest rate of cancer. It is recommended that women aged 40 should be screened for breast cancer by having a mammogram.

Breast cancer in women. Photo: Cumargoldkare.

Mammography is the most accurate for diagnosing breast cancer

Not necessarily, for young women with dense breast tissue, mammography may not be accurate. According to recommendations, women under 50 years old, with dense breast tissue and tumors can have mammography or ultrasound to screen for cancer. Mammography gives quite accurate results, is easy and low cost, can detect cancerous tumors before you can feel them with your hands. However, to know specifically whether it is breast cancer or not, some other confirmatory tests are needed.

The daughter of a breast cancer patient will definitely get the disease too.

Breast cancer is a common cancer in Singaporean women, but it does not mean that if a family member has breast cancer, the daughter will also get the disease. However, experts recommend that a daughter whose mother has breast cancer should be screened with clinical tests at an earlier age than the mother's age of diagnosis.

For example, if the mother had breast cancer at the age of 42, the daughter should be tested at the age of 37. In addition, it is necessary to practice healthy eating habits, control weight to avoid obesity, and exercise regularly to reduce the risk of cancer.

Feeling breast pain about a week before menstruation and lasting for several days is a sign of cancer.

This is completely wrong. It is normal to feel breast pain during your menstrual cycle. Breast cancer pain does not come and go with your menstrual cycle.

To detect breast cancer early, look for lumps on your breasts, nipple deformities, discharge from your nipples, redness or unexplained hives on your breasts. Consult your doctor if you have any of these signs.

Note: Avoid having a mammogram or ultrasound a week before or during your period as it affects the accuracy of the tests. You should have the test done.after menstruationone week

How to self-examine your breasts to detect breast cancer early

According to VNE