Written: Breast cancer test at home

Teaching breast cancer test at home in 5 minutes! Breast self-examination or **breast cancer test at home** is one of the simplest but most valuable ways to increase women's awareness of their health. This examination, which only takes a few minutes, helps you identify unusual changes in the breast tissue early. Research has shown that early detection of breast cancer can significantly increase the success rate of treatment. For this reason, doctors recommend that all women from a young age, especially after the age of 20, do this home test once a month. ### Why is home testing important? One of the important secrets in early detection of breast cancer is a person's attention to the changes in his body. Although home testing does not replace mammography or medical examinations, it is considered the first line of defense. By regularly touching and looking at your breasts, you can spot early signs such as unusual lumps, changes in the skin or nipples, or unusual discharge. If these changes are detected quickly, the chances of successful treatment will be much higher. ### The best time to take the test Doctors recommend that the best time for breast self-examination is a few days after the end of the menstrual period. At this time, the breast tissue is softer and there is less chance of making a mistake in touching natural lumps. For postmenopausal or pregnant women, one fixed day of the month can be chosen so that the examination can be done regularly and without forgetting. ### Steps of doing the test at home To begin, stand in front of a mirror and examine your breasts for size, shape, and symmetry. Look for changes such as skin dimpling, redness, or discoloration. Then raise your hands and repeat the same check. The next step is to touch the breasts with the fingertips. It is better to do this while standing in the shower and then lying down. The movement of the fingers should be circular and from the outside towards the nipple. Don't forget to check the armpit area as well, because the lymph nodes in this area can be enlarged and be a sign of disease. ### Warning Signs During a home test, look for symptoms such as a firm lump, a sudden change in breast size or shape, bloody or unusual nipple discharge, and skin changes that look like an orange peel. Any of these symptoms can be an early warning for breast diseases, including breast cancer. If you see these symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately. Teaching and performing a breast cancer test at home takes only five minutes, but it can play a vital role in women's health. This test does not replace specialized examinations, but is a complementary tool to increase awareness and individual care. Continuing to perform monthly tests, getting to know the body's natural tissue and paying attention to small changes are the main keys in preventing and early detection of breast cancer. Remember that prevention and awareness is the best gift you can give yourself and your family. Which one is better? Breast cancer test at home or clinic? With the increase in public awareness in the field of **breast cancer**, many women ask the question, which method is better for screening: breast cancer test at home or examination and examination in a clinic by a doctor? The fact is that each of these methods has its own advantages and limitations, and the best results are obtained when the two are used as a complement to each other. Doctors recommend that women, in addition to regular self-examination at home, also visit medical centers periodically. ### Benefits of breast cancer test at home Home test or breast self-examination is a simple, low-cost and accessible method for all women. This test only takes a few minutes and helps a person get to know the natural shape and texture of their breasts. This familiarity makes unusual changes such as bumps, abnormal secretions or changes in the skin to be detected faster. The important thing is that self-examination does not require any special equipment and can be done every month after the end of menstruation. However, it should be known that the home test is not able to accurately detect the early stages of cancer and is only a tool to increase individual awareness. ### Advantages of testing in the clinic Unlike a home test, an examination in a clinic by a specialist doctor or performing a **mammography** and ultrasound allows the identification of very small and intangible changes. These methods are especially important for women over 40 or people with a family history of breast cancer. Doctors can use imaging tools to detect lesions that are in their early stages and have not yet caused visible symptoms. Therefore, clinical testing has a higher position in terms of accuracy and scientific prevention. ### Compare and choose the best method Although home testing alone is not enough, its importance in creating a habit of personal care is undeniable. Many women first detect breast changes at home and then go to the doctor for a more detailed examination. On the other hand, clinical testing is an essential step in the screening program and should never be ignored. The combination of these two methods is the best solution for early detection of breast cancer. The answer to the question "Which is better?" Breast cancer test at home or clinic? It is that none of them takes the place of the other. The home test is a simple tool to get to know the body and discover the initial changes, while the clinical test and mammography are highly accurate in detecting small lesions. Therefore, the best solution for women is to regularly perform breast self-examination at home and follow up periodic tests under the supervision of a doctor, based on age and individual conditions. This combination will be the most reliable way to maintain health and prevent breast cancer. 10 danger signs that you should not ignore in the breast cancer home test! Breast self-examination or **breast cancer home test** is one of the valuable tools to know about women's health. This test only takes a few minutes but can reveal important changes that could have serious consequences if ignored. Doctors stress that women should be familiar with the warning signs so that they can go to the doctor faster if they see any unusual changes. In the following, we examine 10 important danger signs that should not be neglected in the home test. ### 1. The presence of an unusual lump or bump Palpation of any firm lump or unusual bump in the breast or armpit is one of the most important warning signs. These lumps can be benign, but in some cases they indicate the beginning of *breast cancer*. ### 2. Change in breast size or shape If during the home test you notice significant changes in the size or shape of one breast compared to the other, you should take it seriously. A sudden change may be a warning sign. ### 3. Changes in the skin of the breast Redness, peeling, or the appearance of skin resembling orange peel are among the symptoms that should not be ignored. These changes can be a sign of inflammation or more serious diseases. ### 4. Indentation or stretching of the skin If the skin of the breast becomes indented or contracted when touched or looked at, this can be a sign of dangerous tissue changes. ### 5. Change in the nipple Change in direction, sudden indentation or change in nipple color can be a serious warning. Any unusual changes should be medically investigated. ### 6. Abnormal nipple discharge The presence of bloody discharge or unusual fluid from the nipple is another dangerous sign. This change is more important especially when it is from only one breast. ### 7. Constant pain in the breast Although breast pain does not always mean cancer, persistent or new pain that develops for no apparent reason should be followed up. ### 8. Enlargement of axillary lymph nodes In the home test, touching the swelling or bump in the armpit can indicate the involvement of the lymph nodes, which requires specialized examination. ### 9. Change in the color of the skin around the breast Unusual discoloration, dark spots, or bruises that appear without trauma are some of the symptoms that should not be ignored. ### 10. A feeling of heaviness or changes in breast texture If during the self-exam you feel that the breast tissue has become firmer, heavier or more uneven than before, you should inform your doctor about this change. Summary Breast cancer home test is a simple and practical tool to know the health of the body, but it will be valuable only if women are sensitive to warning signs. Observing any of these 10 symptoms should be an alarm to see a doctor. Remember that **early detection** is the key to success in breast cancer treatment. Therefore, do not ignore small changes and prioritize your health.