Quick Breast Cancer Checks: A Life-Saving Habit Everyone Can Adopt

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers globally, impacting countless women and men each year. In the UK, a woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis every ten minutes, with approximately 56,500 women and 390 men diagnosed annually, according to Cancer Research UK. Alarmingly, the percentage of women conducting regular breast self-examinations has decreased from 49% in 2022 to just 45% in 2024. This decline underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and education about self-check techniques.

Dr. Uras Promotes Quick Self-Exams for Early Detection

Dr. Cihan Uras, a breast cancer surgeon with over 35 years of experience at Acıbadem Hospitals, is advocating for effective breast examination practices. He emphasizes the importance of self-exams during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, suggesting that a monthly check can be completed in under three minutes, which is often quicker than making a cup of tea.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide,” Dr. Uras stated. “When detected early, survival rates are very high. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be familiar with your own body and notice changes quickly.”

Dr. Uras outlines a simple three-step self-examination process that can significantly enhance early detection.

Steps to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

1. **Examine in the Mirror (1 minute)**
Start by standing in front of a mirror, ideally topless, with shoulders back and hands on hips. Dr. Uras advises looking for any noticeable differences in size, shape, or skin texture. “As you do this more often, these differences will be easier to spot,” he added. Key signs include dimpling of the skin, redness, rashes, or any changes to the nipple, particularly inversion or discharge.

2. **Lift Your Arms (30 seconds)**
Next, raise your arms above your head. This position helps to reveal changes in contour, swelling, or skin pulling. “Lifting your arms stretches the breast tissue and skin, making subtle changes more visible, especially puckering,” Dr. Uras explained. This step is crucial as it may highlight differences in movement between the two sides.

3. **Feel While Standing and Lying Down (90 seconds)**
The final part of the self-check should be done while lying down. Use the flat of your fingertips to feel the breast in circular motions, covering the entire area from top to bottom and side to side. “Don’t forget to check up to the armpit area as well. Apply different pressures—light, medium, and firm—to ensure you are examining all layers of breast tissue,” Dr. Uras advised. During this examination, watch for any thickened areas, tenderness, or lumps.

If any abnormalities are found during these checks, it is essential not to panic. Many signs can result from various causes and do not always indicate cancer. Dr. Uras stressed, “If you find a lump, always have it checked as soon as possible by a medical professional. The chances are, you would have caught it early, allowing your doctor to start any necessary treatment sooner.”

For optimal results, Dr. Uras recommends conducting these checks a few days after a menstrual period ends, as breasts are less likely to be tender at this time. For women who no longer have periods, selecting a specific day each month can help establish a consistent routine.

The NHS provides extensive resources on breast cancer, including support for individuals and families facing the disease. For more information, visit their website. By prioritizing awareness and education around breast health, individuals can take proactive steps toward early detection and potentially save lives.