One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime: the earlier it is detected, the better. When in the cycle is it best for women to examine their breasts themselves - and what examinations are available.
Bonn/Munich. A lump in your breast? The carousel of worries quickly turns: Is there a malignant tumor growing? Cancer is not the cause of every change. However, if there are any abnormalities, women prefer to make an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as possible.
As with any other type of cancer, the earlier you detect a malignant tumor in the breast, the better the chances of successful treatment. What early detection services are available - and how women can become active themselves.
1. Early detection with palpation and mammography
Two early detection tests for breast cancer are covered by statutory health insurance companies:
Palpation examination in the gynecologist's office
Women aged 30 and over are entitled to an annual physical examination by a gynecologist, according to the German Cancer Aid. There you will also find out how you can examine your breasts yourself.
If there are any abnormalities, they will be clarified with further examinations. A tumor is not always confirmed: According to the German Cancer Aid, palpative examinations often produce false-positive findings that ultimately do not turn out to be cancer.
Mammography screening program
Women between the ages of 50 and 75 also receive an invitation for a mammography screening appointment every two years. During this examination, x-rays of the chest are taken. To do this, the breasts are each briefly pressed together between two plates. Two trained doctors then evaluate the images.
According to the German Cancer Aid, studies show that the mammography screening program can detect breast cancer in the early stages, which means a higher chance of recovery. Participation in screening also reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer.
2. Feel your breasts yourself once a month
In addition to early detection examinations, regular self-testing helps to detect changes early. The professional association of gynecologists (BVF) reveals how to proceed:
Ensure there is good lighting and first look carefully at your breasts in the mirror. Has the shape or size changed? Does one breast deform differently than the other when I lift an arm?
Also look closely at the skin: Is it pulling inwards at any point? Is there any swelling or does it look like an orange? Does she dandruff?
Palpation: Do I notice new or unusual hardness or lumps in the breast, perhaps even accompanied by pain? You should also check your armpits.
Check the nipple: If liquid comes out of it - whether bloody or clear - this is an abnormality.
It is best for women to do a self-examination once a month. A time window is particularly suitable for this, at least for women with menstruation: It is best to do the tactile examination between the 3rd and 7th day after the start of your period, advises the BVF. This is when the glandular tissue in the breast is softest and hardening is more noticeable.
For women without menstruation, such as after menopause, it is best to set aside one fixed day per month. Tip: set a reminder in your cell phone.
3. If breast cancer runs in the family: get individual advice
Age itself, an early first menstruation, a late menopause, being overweight or frequent alcohol consumption: all of these increase the risk of one day getting breast cancer. Genetics can also play a role: around five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are due to mutations in certain genes - BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 - according to the German Cancer Aid.
“If there are many cases of breast cancer in your own family or a case with a noticeably young age of onset, this can be an indication that you yourself carry a mutation in a risk gene for breast cancer,” says Prof. Rita Fehller, President of the German Cancer Aid. Then it makes sense to seek advice at a familial breast cancer center - and, if necessary, get tested for such a mutation.
