What is the main purpose of performing a breast self-exam?

The primary purpose of performing a breast self-exam is to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival rates. During a self-exam, individuals can become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to notice any changes such as lumps, irregularities, or alterations in texture or shape that could indicate a potential problem.

Breast cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, so regular self-exams empower individuals to actively monitor their breast health. This proactive approach encourages communication with healthcare providers if any concerning findings arise during the self-exam, promoting timely evaluation and intervention.

While hygiene, infection checks, and skin health are important aspects of overall health, they are not the main objective of a breast self-exam, which is specifically designed to identify potential cancerous changes as early as possible to facilitate prompt medical attention and treatment.