Self Exams and Lab Tests for Breast Cancer
How do I perform a self-exam?
The breast self-exam is very simple to do, and it only takes a few minutes. You can do it in bed or right after a bath when you are most comfortable.
In bed, lying down
When in a lying position, put your right arm above your head, laying it flat on the bed. Then use the three fingers from your left hand to gently press into your right breast. With the pads of your fingers, make circular movements around the breast and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for ridges and lumps. Check if there is discharge when you squeeze the nipple. Switch, and do the same to the other breast.
In the shower
Raise your right arm and place it behind your head. Then using the three fingers of your left hand, make circular movements around the breast and armpit. Do the other side. Feel for any abnormalities in the tissue, and do not forget to check your nipple for any abnormal discharge.
It is also advised that you do your self exam in front of a mirror to help you see areas that may be overlooked. If you see or feel any persisting abnormalities, consult your doctor.

Why Are Lab Tests Necessary?
While self exams play an important part in the early detection of breast cancer, official medical lab tests are necessary to properly diagnose and treat the condition. Self exams and lab tests for breast cancer, when done correctly and considered properly in your treatment plan, will yield positive outcomes.
After a physical exam and consultation with your doctor, you may be requested to undergo the following tests.
Fine Needle Aspiration
The Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) test is a type of biopsy procedure. It uses a small needle aspiration to remove sample tissue from the suspected mass in the breasts. This sample is then sent to a lab where the cells will be determined to be benign or cancerous. The biopsy can also help in staging breast cancer. This is a quick, painless, outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia. It is one of the preferred methods as it delivers high accuracy.
Whole Tumor Biopsy
If the aspiration does not provide the information needed by the doctor to confirm breast cancer, a whole tumor biopsy may be requested. The removal of the tumor is guided by ultrasound scans, and is usually done using local anesthesia but without the need for hospitalization.
Cytology
While the FNA and biopsy are a means to collect cells, cytology is the closer examination of these cells. It allows the medical team to draw more information about the cells.
Used for screening and diagnosing, cytology uses sample cells removed from the affected breast tissue to check whether the cells are normal or show signs of cancer. It can provide more information about estrogen receptors and other factors that help assess the disease.
Aside from self exams and lab tests for breast cancer, there are many other diagnostic procedures used in determining cancer. These may be requested by your physician to help assess your condition.
Key Takeaways
Early detection through the help of self exams and lab tests for breast cancer is important, especially in boosting the survival rate of patients. As a highly curable disease, breast cancer is best treated when it is in its initial stages. Self exams and lab tests for breast cancer, as well as other tools, can help detect abnormalities even when the patient does not yet exhibit any symptoms.
Learn more about Women’s Health, here.
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