How to recognize breast cancer - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1.10.2024 | Ann Cathrin Schach

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the awareness of the disease and the need for regular check-ups. Early detection is crucial in order to treat breast cancer effectively and significantly increase the chances of recovery. Gynaecologists emphasize how important it is to pay attention to the pay attention to your own body and go for regular check-ups - because this is the only way to detect changes at an early stage and treat them successfully. It's about taking responsibility for yourself - Take care of your very important boobs.

We interviewed a gynecologist we trust about how breast cancer can be diagnosed and treated:

How can I tell if I have breast cancer and what are the signs?

Most women first notice breast cancer through self-examination. A conspicuous palpation finding, such as a Lump or a hardeningis usually the first signal. However, there are other signs to look out for, such as Skin changes on the breast, for example redness, retraction of the nipple or wrinkled skin. Some women also report a Strange feeling in the armpit. If these symptoms occur, medical clarification should be sought immediately.

You can find out how to examine yourself thoroughly and what questions you can ask yourself at the end of the article!

What can I do for prevention and what does it involve?

Breast self-examination is a simple and important measure to detect changes at an early stage. This is especially true for young women, as statutory health insurance covers breast palpation by a gynecologist. only takes over from the age of 30. However, for women aged 30 and over, the annual check-up at the gynecologist is an integral part of early detection. Some private health insurance companies also include breast ultrasounds in their screening services, whereas those with statutory health insurance often have to pay for this examination themselves. The recommendation is to have an ultrasound scan every two years from the age of 30 and once a year from the age of 35.

What diagnostic measures and alternatives are there?

Women aged 49 and over receive an invitation to a mammogram every two yearsa special X-ray examination of the breast. However, if there are concerns about radiation exposure, there are also alternatives such as "Discovering Hands". This is a method in which blind women with a particularly keen sense of touch examine the breast. These women can often detect small tumors even earlier. The combination of mammography and ultrasound is recommended by many doctors, as both methods examine different aspects of the breast. Not everything that is visible in the mammogram is recognized in the ultrasound and vice versa.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

A Benign tumor can often be pushed back and forthThis is because it does not usually grow into the surrounding tissue, but remains between the tissue layers. Cysts and other benign changes usually belong to this category. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow into the tissue and can spread further. It is therefore important to have any abnormalities clarified at an early stage.

How can breast cancer be treated?

Various treatment options are available today. Besides the In addition to classical chemotherapy, antibody or anti-hormonal therapy is often used. The latter is a treatment in which the tumor is deprived of the hormones it needs to grow. This treatment is often less stressful than chemotherapy. Smaller tumors can be surgically removed and the surrounding tissue is irradiated to ensure that no malignant cells remain.

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes, men can also develop breast cancer. Men whose mothers have already had breast cancer in particular should regularly palpate their breast tissue. In men, breast cancer is often only detected at an advanced stage, which makes treatment more difficult. Early detection is therefore essential here too.

How do I feel my breasts?

We have summarized for you how you can control yourself and your breasts:

1. palpating the breast: looking at the breast while standing

Stand in front of a mirror in good lighting and let your arms hang loosely at your sides. Take a close look at your breasts and pay attention to any changes. A few questions may be helpful:

Has the size or shape of one breast changed noticeably since the last time? Are both breasts at the same height as when you last looked at them? Has the color of the nipple changed, for example, is there any redness on the areola?

2. viewing the breast in motion

Raise your arms and move them slowly up and down. Observe how your breasts and nipples move in the mirror. Repeat the movement several times and change the angle of view. Look out for new skin folds, retractions or protrusions. These questions can help you with the assessment:

Do both breasts move evenly upwards and downwards? Are both nipples at the same height? Is there a change in shape when raising/lowering the arms, e.g. a fold or protrusion of the skin?

A) Circular palpation of the chest while standing

To ensure that all areas of the breast are covered, a certain pattern should be followed for each palpation. The following method has proven successful: Start by examining the breast in decreasing circles from the outside inwards towards the nipple.

B) Linear palpation of the breast while standing

The next step is to palpate the breast in lines from top to bottom and from outside to inside.

3. squeezing the nipple

Gently squeeze each nipple between your thumb and index finger. When doing so colored secretions or a liquid you should see your gynecologist.

4. palpation of the breast while lying down

Lie on your back. Repeat the palpation of the chest while lying down. Pay particular attention to the lower chest area.