Do you know that breast cancer ranks the highest in Malaysia? Nowadays, doctors recommend self-examination to detect the possibility of having breast cancer.
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women around the world. Nevertheless, men can suffer from this cancer too.
If you do not know how to do a breast self-examination, just apply Pemeriksaan Sendiri Payudara (PSP) or Breast Self-Exam. There are only three steps:
1) See (Lihat)
The first thing you need to do is to take off your clothes and stand in front of a mirror. During the self-examination, you are required to observe your right and left sides.
- Stand straight with both arms on your side.
- Then, place both of your arms on your head.
- Tense your chest muscles by placing your arms on your waist. Make sure for your elbow to stay at the front.
2) Feel (Rasa)
This step can be done when showering or while lying down.
- Feel your breast.
- Use your fingers to feel if there is any lump or skin thickening.
- Move your fingers around your breast, including the nipples and the armpits.
3) Respond (Respon)
Respond immediately by seeing a doctor if you happen to find:
- The changes in the shape or symmetry, colour, size, and thickening of the skin of the breast.
- Puckers, dimples, bulges, or ridges on the skin of your breast.
- Blood or any discharge from the nipple.
- Nipple gets pushed in (inverted).
- Swelling and pain.
- Hard lump near your underarms.
Follow these easy steps to self-examine. You know what people say, “Prevention is better than cure!” Let’s fight breast cancer together.
If you are still unsure after the examination, it is better to set an appointment with your doctor.
Sources: KKMalaysia, Mayo Clinic