Every October, pink ribbons appear everywhere. But for many women, the real question is more personal: what should I actually do about my own breast health? If you have been putting it off because you feel fine, because you are afraid of what you might hear, or because you simply do not know where to start, this guide is for you.
Breast cancer screening does not have to be complicated. Here is what it involves, who needs it, and how to take the first step this month.
Why early detection matters
Breast cancer found early is generally easier to treat and gives women far better chances of a good outcome. In Nigeria, many women still seek help only when the disease is advanced, often because of fear, cost, or misinformation. Screening exists to change that, by finding problems before they cause symptoms or before they grow.
The three layers of breast screening
Good screening works in layers. No single check does everything, so the best protection is a combination.
1. Breast self-awareness and monthly self-exams
You know your body better than anyone. Checking your breasts once a month helps you notice changes early. Choose a day a few days after your period ends, or the same date each month if you no longer have periods.
- Look: Look in a mirror with your arms down, then raised, checking for changes in size, shape, or skin.
- Feel: Use the pads of your fingers to press gently in small circles across the whole breast, up to the collarbone and into the armpit. Check both sides.
See a doctor if you notice any of the following:
- a new lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit
- a change in the size or shape of a breast
- dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling of the skin
- a nipple that turns inward, or any unusual discharge
- persistent pain or swelling in one area
Most breast lumps turn out not to be cancer. But every new change deserves to be checked, and only a professional can tell the difference.
2. Clinical breast exam
This is a physical examination by a trained health professional, such as a doctor or nurse. They look for changes you may not feel yourself. Ask your doctor how often you should have one, as the answer depends on your age and personal risk.
3. Imaging: mammogram and ultrasound
Imaging can detect changes too small to feel. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is commonly recommended for women from around 40 to 50 years of age, depending on the guideline and your risk. Ultrasound is often used for younger women, whose breast tissue is denser. Guidelines differ on when to start and how often to repeat, so speak with your doctor. If your mother or sister has had breast cancer, you may be advised to start earlier.
Where laboratory tests fit in
It is important to be clear about this: a blood test cannot diagnose breast cancer, and it cannot replace a breast exam or imaging. Some women assume that a normal blood result means the breasts are fine. That is not true.
Laboratory tests play a supporting role. Your doctor may request blood tests as part of your overall assessment, for example, to check your general health before treatment. Tumour marker tests are sometimes used by specialists to monitor known disease, but they are not reliable for screening healthy women. A diagnosis is confirmed by examining a small sample of breast tissue (a biopsy) under the microscope.
Who is at higher risk?
Anyone can develop breast cancer, but some factors raise the risk:
- increasing age
- a mother, sister, or daughter with breast or ovarian cancer
- a previous breast condition or earlier breast biopsy
- early first period or late menopause
- being overweight, regular alcohol use, and physical inactivity
Having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer, and having none does not mean you are safe. Many women diagnosed have no obvious risk factor at all. That is why regular screening is advised for everyone.
Four myths to drop
- “No lump, no problem.” Breast cancer does not always begin as a lump, and early changes can be subtle.
- “It only affects families with a history.” Most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease.
- “If it does not hurt, it is harmless.” Early breast cancer is often painless. Pain is not a reliable sign either way.
- “It is a spiritual attack, not a medical problem.” Faith and prayer bring comfort, but they should go alongside medical care, never replace it. Delay costs precious time.
Your simple action plan for this month
- Pick a date each month for your self-check, and set a phone reminder.
- Book a clinical breast exam with your doctor this October.
- Ask whether imaging is right for you, based on your age and family history.
- Talk to your mother, aunts, and sisters about any history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Share this article with one woman you care about.
Take the first step.
Screening is not about expecting bad news. It is about giving yourself the best possible chance of good news early. If you have a lump or any change, do not wait for the end of the month. See a doctor as soon as you can.
At Agape Laboratories Services Ltd, we are here to support you and your doctor with accurate, reliable laboratory testing. To book a consultation or ask a question, visit us at 50 Ago Place Way, Adesola Bustop, Okota, Lagos, or call +234 803 312 5326.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.