what is the best way to discover breast cancer at home?

Answer 1

You have some excellent answers above. I would add that people do know their own bodies and can recognize small changes perhaps even better than clinicians who check their breasts at longer intervals. Self examination at the intervals recommended is a good way to watch out for yourself. Mammograms can be very useful too, but you asked about things you can do at home. Far too often women find changes themselves and become frightened. Then denial causes delay in seeking professional examination and testing. Fear is a normal emotional reaction, but the best way to resolve the fear and dread is to have an area of concern checked as soon as possible

Answer 2

Each month at about the same time of the monthly cycle stand and look in the mirror with arms down. Study carefully for any change-ANY change at all. Then do the same with both arms up.

Then lie down and with one arm up feel carefully around the breast on the side with the arm up for lumps. Check under the arm. Then raise the other arm and do the same to the other breast. If you have a partner have them check also.

For ANY change go see your doctor immediately. Never ever believe everything you read. If somebody says cancer doesn't hurt it is NOT true for everyone. Mine hurt. If someone says anything at all, just go to the doctor.

Answer 3

Do your monthly exams both lying down and standing in the shower. A mammogram though will detect cancers that are too small to feel. You can save your life if you have your mammograms yearly. You should have a baseline at 35 and then yearly after age 40.
Also, make sure you look for changes in you breasts in the mirror.

Answer 4

Yes, monthly breast self-examinations are good, but you will never 'discover' whether you have breast cancer from them. Only a doctor can tell you that, and only after a biopsy of any lump you may find.

If you have any concerns about changes in your breasts - any changes, not just lumps - go straight to your doctor to get referred for tests

Answer 5

One of the best ways to detect cancer at home is by following the American Cancer Societies guidelines for self breast exams. If you are unsure of how to complete one on yourself, they do have information that you can call and have them send to you.

Begining in a woman's 20's, they should begin doing breat self exams. Women should become aware of how their breasts look and feel, and should report any changes that they notice to their health care professional.

This is how to proform such an exam:
1. Lie down and place your right arm behind your head.The exam is done while lying down, and not standing up. This is because when lying down the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and it is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.

2. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue.

3. Use 3 different levels of pressure to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; and firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you’re not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Use each pressure level to feel the breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.

4. Move around the breast in an up and down pattern starting at an imaginary line drawn straight down your side from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone.(sternum or breastbone). Be sure to check the entire breast area going down until you feel only ribs and up to the neck or collar bone (clavicle).

5. There is some evidence to suggest that the up and down pattern (sometimes called the vertical pattern) is the most effective pattern for covering the entire breast without missing any breast tissue.

6. Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand.

7. While standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing firmly down on your hips, look at your breasts for any changes of size, shape, contour, dimpling, or redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. (The pressing down on the hips position contracts the chest wall muscles and enhances any breast changes.)

8. Examine each underarm while sitting up or standing and with your arm only slightly raised so you can easily feel in this area. Raising your arm straight up tightens the tissue in this area and makes it difficult to examine.

Also, if you notice any dimpling, discharge, or inversion of the tissue, areola, or nipple please contact your health care professional at once and have them give you a thorough examination.

One thing to remember, is that even though you do this, it does not replace the importance of screening mammograms and seeing your physician on a regular basis. By the time you can feel a lump or change in your breast, the growth is mot likely about 1.0 cm.

Answer 6

Monthly self breast exams at home, to look for lumps.

Answer 7

I agree with kiki. If you are not sure of how to go on you tube there are great videos by doctors that show you and explain what to look for and how to find it. Hope this helps

Answer 8

Unless you've spotted a lump, unexpectedly, you can't. See your doctor and take his advice, it's your life your talking about.