Getting to know breast examination through a health event
In April 2022, we organised a health event for the Russian-speaking women of KlubOk ry, which was conducted remotely. The purpose of the health event was to share information about breast cancer, regular breast examinations, mammography examinations, as well as iron and ferritin levels and their impact on wellbeing. The topics of the health event were chosen according to the wishes of the organisation's members. Participants were particularly interested in the correct way to conduct breast self-examinations. They were also interested in possible further research and in the Russian-language materials on the subject provided by the Cancer Foundation Finland.
Breast cancer and breast examination can be particularly sensitive topics in different cultures. We implemented the health event in a culturally sensitive way. The event was conducted in two languages with the help of a Russian interpreter, providing participants with useful information about breast self-examination in their mother tongue. We wanted to explain our topics to the target group in the most understandable and discreet way possible. Communicating in your mother tongue lowers the threshold for two-way interaction at the event. Participation in the event was completely voluntary and free of charge.
Cultural sensitivity is a professional’s ability to communicate in a respectful, interactive, and appreciative way, both verbally and non-verbally. In communication, cultural sensitivity refers to the right of both the professional and the client to express their own culture and to be accepted and listened to. Cultural sensitivity is also the willingness, ability, and sensitivity to understand people from different backgrounds.
Rintasyöpä ja sen seulominen Suomessa
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Western women. It affects around 5,000 women in Finland every year, one in eight in their lifetime. Regular breast cancer screening started in Finland in 1987.
Women receive an invitation to a mammography, or breast screening, every two years after the age of 50. The examination is carried out by X-ray. Using mammography aims to detect breast cancer as early as possible. The prognosis for breast cancer has indeed improved, as cancers are now detected earlier and treatment methods have developed. However, one in five women still fail to go for breast cancer screenings, even though they are free of charge.
To support early detection, breast self-examination is important. It’s a good idea to do regular examinations, for example, monthly.
Breast self-examinations should be done regularly
Breast self-examinations help the early detection of possible breast cancer. The best time to do a breast examination is after the end of your period, when your breasts are not swollen or sore. It’s a good idea to start by looking at the breasts’ size, shape, colour, and appearance of the nipples, for example, in a mirror.
Checking is done with the at the top and at the bottom, so that the breasts can be observed from the front, bottom, and sides. Nipples can be pressed, and attention should be paid to whether there is any discharge from the nipples. However, for a pregnant woman, the production of milk is normal. Feeling breasts should be carried out whilst lying on your back or, for example, in the shower when the skin is soapy, which makes it easier to examine the breasts. The whole breast should be felt in a circular motion, not forgetting the armpits. The breasts should be examined in three positions, with the arm up, straight at the side, and down, and down along the body line.
What changes in the breasts require further investigation?
Breast changes do not always mean that you have breast cancer. However, changes should always be shown to a doctor. Changes that require further investigation include a lump in the breast or armpit, skin retraction, a rash on the nipple area, discharge from or retraction of the nipple, and redness or swelling of the breast. Retraction of the skin or nipple can be seen as a hole in the skin or a nipple that has turned inwards.
Breast examination is worthwhile
It’s never too late to start regular breast examinations if you have not yet made it part of your routine. Five minutes out of your daily routine each month will hopefully turn out to be wasted time in the end, but at best, it can bring more moments for the future. By conducting regular breast examinations, you get to know your breasts better and you can become more sensitive to any changes in them.
The blog post was written by soon-to-be graduating public health nursing students from Diakonia University of Applied Sciences as part of Moniheli’s Terkku project. It was a development task as part of their nursing studies.
