If the shape of your nipples suddenly changes 'like this', you may suspect breast cancer.

 

Twenty-one percent of new female cancer patients are diagnosed with breast cancer (2 (National Cancer Registry Statistics 2021) This means that one in five female cancer patients has breast cancer. Breast cancer has a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 90% if detected early. Director Lee Ji-hyeon of Damsoyu Hospital said, "In order to detect breast cancer quickly, it is very helpful to know about breast cancer self-examination methods."

 

"It is recommended to do a self-examination once a month starting from age 30, three days after the end of menstruation," he said.

 

Check if the lump is caught

 

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast.

 

To check for lumps, lift your left arm and feel your left breast with the middle three fingers of your right hand, drawing a circle from the nipple outward.

 

Lift your other arm and feel your right breast in the same way. Lifting your arm upwards pulls the muscles inside the breast, pushing the lump toward the skin, making it easier to grasp.

When I touched the lump with my hand

▲There is no pain

▲Hard and

▲Bumpy and bumpy

▲If it doesn't move well, it could be cancer.

 

Director Lee Ji-hyun said, "The cancerous mass has invaded the surrounding tissue and is tangled, so it does not move when touched."

 

bloody discharge

 

Gently squeezing the nipple and producing a bloody discharge may indicate cancer. Milk or clear fluid discharge from the nipple is generally not breast cancer. Certain medications that stimulate the breasts (such as digestive aids) can also cause milk or fluid discharge.

 

You should also observe the shape of your nipples.

 

It's also important to examine for changes in the breast skin or nipple shape. Inward receding skin or nipples can be a sign of cancer. Cancer cells can attach to surrounding tissue and cause fibrosis (hardening), pulling the ducts and surrounding tissues connected to the nipple inward. Cracks around the nipple, oozing fluid, or crusting can also be warning signs of breast cancer.

 

=========================

 

Breast lumps can be examined at home.

Self-examination should be done once a month starting from the age of 30.

It is important to see it every day, but

I think the best time to do it is 3 days after your period ends.

 

It's also important to develop the habit of looking closely every day while showering.