Breast Cancer Self-Detection and Screening: When and How Often Should You Get Checked?

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and its incidence is steadily rising in India. The good news is that early detection can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Regular self-checks and timely medical screening are therefore the most effective ways to identify breast cancer early.

This article explains how to perform breast self-examination, what early signs to look for, and how often you should get professional screening. It also highlights where to find reliable breast cancer screening in Delhi, including advanced facilities at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

Why Breast Cancer Awareness Matters

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer accounts for nearly one in four cancers among women in India. Urban lifestyles, delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding, and dietary changes have contributed to the rise in cases—especially in metro cities like Delhi.

Unfortunately, many women visit the doctor only after noticing advanced symptoms. Awareness and proactive detection are the strongest defences.

There are two key pillars of early detection:

• Self-detection – performing regular self-examinations to identify unusual changes.
• Medical screening – undergoing mammography, ultrasound, or clinical breast examinations as recommended by a healthcare specialist.

Together, these steps can help detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage and save lives.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE): Your First Line of Defence

Self-examination is simple, free, and empowering. It helps women understand what is normal for their bodies and recognise when something feels different. Although it is not a substitute for professional tests, it is a valuable habit to develop.

How to Perform a Self-Breast Examination

1. Stand in front of a mirror. Keep your shoulders straight and your arms at your sides. Observe any changes in the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts.
2. Raise your arms and look for dimpling, puckering, or swelling.
3. Check your nipples for any inversion, discharge (other than breast milk), or redness.
4. Use your hands to feel:
   • Lie down and use the opposite hand to feel each breast.
   • Use the pads of your fingers in small circular motions, covering the entire breast area—from collarbone to upper abdomen and armpit to cleavage.
   • Check under the arms where breast tissue extends.
5. Repeat while standing or in the shower—wet skin can make it easier to feel any changes.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer to Watch For

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain or tenderness that does not go away
• Skin changes such as redness, scaling, or dimpling
• Nipple inversion or discharge (especially if blood-stained)

If you observe any of these signs, consult a doctor immediately for further evaluation.

Medical Screening: When and How Often Should You Get Checked?

While self-detection plays an important role, medical screening remains the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early. Screening can identify abnormal changes before they become noticeable or symptomatic.

Screening Guidelines Based on Age and Risk

• Ages 20 to 30: Monthly breast self-examination and a clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional every three years.
• Ages 30 to 40: Continue monthly self-examination and schedule a clinical exam every one to two years.
• Above 40 years: Monthly self-examination, an annual mammogram, and a yearly clinical breast examination.
• High-risk women (those with a family history, BRCA 1/BRCA 2 mutations, or prior chest radiation) should consult their doctor about starting screening earlier and possibly adding breast MRI scans.

Types of Screening Tests

1. Mammography – An X-ray of the breast that can detect small lumps long before they are felt.
2. Breast Ultrasound – Useful for younger women with dense breast tissue or as a supplementary test.
3. Breast MRI – Recommended for women at high risk or for further assessment after abnormal findings.
4. Clinical Breast Examination – A physical examination by a trained doctor or nurse.

At Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, advanced breast cancer detection technologies—such as digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRI—are complemented by expert oncologists and radiologists to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely care.

Cost and Accessibility of Breast Cancer Screening in Delhi

Many women hesitate to get screened due to concerns about the cost of mammography and related tests. However, screening options in Delhi are now far more affordable and accessible than most people realise.

Hospitals like Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh regularly introduce special health camps and awareness packages, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to encourage more women to get screened. The small investment in an annual check-up is minimal compared to the cost—both emotional and financial—of treating advanced-stage disease.

If you are unsure which screening option is right for you, speak with your doctor. The team at Fortis can help design a personalised screening plan based on your age and risk factors.

Why Choose Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh for Breast Cancer Care?

When looking for a breast check-up hospital in Delhi, expertise and technology make all the difference. Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh offers:

• Comprehensive breast cancer screening and diagnostic services under one roof
• A team of leading oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists
• A dedicated oncology day-care unit for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy
• Personalised care from nutritionists, psychologists, and breast cancer support teams

With its patient-centric approach and advanced facilities, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh stands as a trusted destination for breast cancer detection and treatment in Delhi NCR.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the right age to start breast cancer screening?
Women at average risk should begin screening at 40, while high-risk individuals may need earlier and more frequent checks based on medical advice.

Q2. How often should mammography be done?
For most women above 40, a mammogram once every year is recommended. High-risk patients may require shorter intervals.

Q3. Can breast cancer be detected without mammography?
Self-examinations and clinical breast exams can identify visible or palpable changes, but mammography remains the most accurate method for early detection.

Q4. Does regular screening prevent breast cancer?
Screening doesn’t prevent cancer, but it enables early diagnosis, which greatly increases the success of treatment.

Conclusion

Breast cancer does not have to be a silent threat. By practising regular self-examination and scheduling timely screenings, women can take charge of their health and ensure early intervention if needed.

Whether you are learning how to perform a breast self-exam or scheduling your annual mammogram, each step you take brings peace of mind and better protection.

Suppose you reside in the Delhi NCR area and are seeking a trusted hospital for breast cancer screening and treatment. In that case, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh offers advanced facilities and compassionate care to support you at every stage.

Take the first step today—book your breast cancer screening appointment at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.