There are different types of breast examinations:

1. Breast self-examination

• Please perform once a month.
• If you still menstruate, examine your breasts 2-3 days after menstrual period.
• If you no longer menstruate, examine your breasts on the first day of each month for easy memory.

Procedure of the examination:

1. Stand in front of a mirror, undress and raise your arms over your head and look for any changes in your breasts.
2. Press the pads of your three middle fingers gently over the inner side of your breast in circling movements to check for any unusual lumps.
3. Examine the area between the breast and the armpit for any unusual lumps.
4. Gently squeeze the nipple and look for any discharge.

2. Breast ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the breasts is safe and painless. It uses sonic scanning to scan the breasts and underarms and examine breast tissues. This method can check whether there is a lump in the chest, its size, and whether it is malignant or benign, etc. Ultrasound examination does not contain radiation and has an accuracy rate of 81-95%. Women of all ages including breastfeeding or pregnant women are suitable for this examination.

However, women who have had breast augmentation surgery may be affected and are recommended to consult the doctor before checking.

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3. Mammogram

The incidence rate of breast cancer is higher among women aged over 40. Therefore, a comprehensive breast health check-up should be performed regularly. Overseas medical research has proven that screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by 20% -30%. A mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40 or 50 is recommended. 

Mammography screening is a low dose X-ray examination of a woman’s breasts tissue to detect breast cancer. It is able to detect even when that cancer is too small to be felt as a lump, and when the calcification points are extremely small. It allows for early detection even at the stage of precancerous lesions or before the formation of tumour, which helps to reduce breast cancer mortality.

The radiation risk of mammography screening is 0.36 millisieverts per test. According to the international standards, human body can receive 1 millisievert of artificial radiation per year. Therefore, mammogram does not cause cancer due to radiation under normal circumstances. However, if you are or may be pregnant, X-ray examination is not recommended because it may affect the fetus.