Dr. Irene Vives. Gynecologist
Dr. Irene Vives, a gynecologist specializing in Benign Breast Pathology and Breast Cancer at the Vall d'Hebrón Hospital in Barcelona, advises us on good self-examination, self-care and hydration for the prevention and detection of diseases related to the breasts.
One of the most widespread concerns among women are the doubts that arise about breast pathology and the breast cancer, especially after the age of 40.
We know that the prevalence of this type of cancer among women is relatively high, although at the same time the cure rate is very high, especially if we carry out good prevention and early detection of it. From the age of 50 (in some cases before) we should have a control mammogram, at least every 2 years , but from the age of 30, it is advisable to start periodic gynecological check-ups.
In a complementary way, the self-care of each woman is essential. It is important that each woman knows her body in order to detect any new changes or anomalies. In the case of breasts, once their shape, irregularities or usual color is known, It is recommended to perform a self-examination once or twice a month preferably 4 days after menstruation or in case of not having periods, the same week of each month.
This exploration must be methodical to be optimal, so here are some basic tips and tricks to do it. When in doubt, always consult your gynecologist!
When you explore your breasts and armpits, you must follow 5 basic steps:
First step
In front of the mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips, you should look at your breasts and make sure that their size, shape and color are normal. In the event that you see any type of alteration in the different skin (wrinkles/lumps, redness, inflammation...) different position in your nipple or some type of alteration in the skin or it hurts, go to your gynecologist
Second step
To make sure that what you are seeing are alterations, simply raise your arms in the same position and check it out. In case these alterations remain as you have seen in step one, go to your gynecologist
Third step
It is also an alarm sign if you see some type of strange liquid coming out of the nipples (one or both). If this is your case, go to your gynecologist
Fourth step
It's also a good recumbent self-exploration exercise. In this case, feel your breasts doing a circular massage. The right hand should palpate the left breast and vice versa, in this way you ensure that the palpation is firmer. It is very important that in this palpation you can touch the entire breast from top to bottom and from left to right. In the case of finding any strange sign, go to your gynecologist
Fifth step
If you don't have time to do this exercise that I just told you about in bed on a daily basis, you can do it perfectly in the shower. The important thing is that every day you can perform a breast self-examination that in less than 2 minutes you will know if you should go to your gynecologist urgently or not
Apart from the basic examination, daily self-care can help us avoid the appearance of other types of breast pathologies such as dermatitis, cracks or erosions due to contact with certain tissues, skin infections or mastitis. The latter are favored when the skin is dry or eroded because it facilitates the entry of bacteria. Being a more sensitive and delicate area, its daily hydration is very important. A good option isMasderm RF Body Firming Cream that has very nutritious and moisturizing ingredients, and is also very easy to apply and fast to absorb.
