Essential Breast Self-Examination Tips for World Health Day

April 7 marks World Health Day, a significant occasion to promote health awareness globally. In recognition of this day, the organization discovering hands shares vital tips on how individuals can perform breast self-examinations, an empowering practice that allows individuals to become more attuned to their bodies.

Discovering hands, a charitable organization associated with the Austrian community for the blind and visually impaired, specializes in tactile examinations aimed at early breast cancer detection. These examinations are carried out by visually impaired women who are trained as medical tactile examiners (MTUs). In addition to offering examinations, they also provide training sessions where participants can learn effective self-examination techniques.

These training sessions last for an hour and are conducted by qualified experts. The organization makes these resources available not only at their facilities but also through corporate health programs, allowing employees to access vital health education directly at their workplaces.

Understanding one's body is a crucial aspect of self-care. Regular breast self-examination is essential for detecting any unusual changes. For those who menstruate, it is advisable to perform the examination on the same day of their menstrual cycle, ideally between the third and tenth day following the onset of the period. Individuals who do not experience menstruation should aim to conduct the examination once a month on a consistent day.

One recommendation from the MTUs is to use body lotion during the examination process. This practice allows the hands to glide smoothly over the skin, facilitating a more effective assessment of the breast tissue.

When examining in front of a mirror, individuals can observe external changes such as discoloration, redness, or alterations in skin texture. Raising and lowering the arms can help in observing the movement of the breast. While gently gliding fingers over the surface, it is important to note any warm areas that could indicate potential issues.

For a thorough examination, lying down and using circular motions from the center of the breast outward can help in identifying tissue changes. It is recommended to vary the pressure during this process--using gentle pressure, then moderate, and finally firmer pressure--to ensure all layers of tissue are assessed. It is important to remember that there is no risk of causing harm during this examination.

Checking for lymph nodes should be done while seated, focusing on the areas near the collarbone and underarm. Normally, lymph nodes should not be palpable or painful. It is essential to understand the nature of what one is feeling and the appropriate pressure to apply during the examination. Since each individual's breast tissue is unique, participating in a training session with an MTU can provide personalized insights and guidance.

For further information or inquiries, interested individuals can contact the Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs.