Instead of breast self-exams or the new “breast self-awareness” wording, she advises, that women should communicate to their doctors when they notice any changes to their breasts.
Abnormal changes to your breasts that you should communicate to your doctor are:
- Skin puckering
- Discoloration
- Discharge
- Lumps that feel different from your normal breast “lumpiness”
- Swelling of the breast
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Nipple abnormalities (such as pain, redness, scaliness, or turning inward)
Susan Brown, managing director of health and program education for Susan G. Komen, confirms that the organization no longer recommends breast self-exams and instead, urges women to know the signs, symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer. Being screened appropriately and taking steps like exercising and monitoring weight, can help minimize risk.
There’s no doubt that BSEs have, indeed, been a life-saver for many women who discovered something or prompted them to see their doctor. Although research says they may no longer be necessary to perform, will you continue to do breast self-exams?
Are Breast Self-Exams Necessary? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
