Pregnancy is not a barrier for early detection of breast cancer

No need to wait for symptoms to detect breast cancer. Through systematic early detection of breast cancer, a person can determine whether there is potential for cancer and take precautions to prevent the cancer from further developing if symptoms are found. This is why routine checks are important for all women, whether they have symptoms of breast cancer or not.

In high-risk women, early detection of breast cancer is done by ultrasound and mammography. Mammography exams are recommended for women over the age of 40 and examined annually. For younger women, if necessary, ultrasound is the first choice.

The presence of breast cancer during pregnancy is rarely seen. However, that does not mean it can not happen. Cases of breast cancer occur in 1 in 3,000 women during pregnancy. This figure makes this cancer the type of cancer most often seen in pregnant women.

More difficult to detect during pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause changes in the breast. Breasts become bigger and more elastic. This disease makes it more difficult for doctors to find pieces of cancer of sufficient size.

Another reason why breast cancer is more difficult to detect is during pregnancy, with women delaying mammograms for early detection of breast cancer. After the baby is born, breast tissue will become denser due to breastfeeding. This makes cancer in the early stages difficult to detect.

However, the reasons above are not the main problem. The main problem that makes early detection of breast cancer more difficult for pregnant women is that the investigation has the potential to cause radiation exposure that can harm the fetus.

Safe examination during pregnancy
Mammography is a test to detect breast cancer in early pregnancy. Mammography is considered safe for both mother and fetus because of the low radiation level and only affects the breasts. To provide additional protection, women who undergo examination will use lead protectors in the abdomen to protect the fetus from radiation exposure.

Besides mammography, another examination is ultrasound. This test can be used as a tool for early detection of breast cancer and has no radiation, making it safe during pregnancy. Ultrasonography is the first test used to look for cancer.

MRI also includes tests that do not use radiation and are safe for pregnant women. However, this examination can be dangerous for the fetus if contrast is used.

The contrast can cross the placenta and enter the fetal blood vessels. In animal studies, contrast has been shown to cause abnormalities in the fetus. Therefore, contrast MRI is not recommended.

If a tumor or abnormality is found during the examination, a biopsy is needed to confirm the presence of the cancer. Biopsy involves removing a small portion of abnormal tissue. This action can be done using a needle.

The amount of tissue taken with a needle is only a small portion. If that isn't enough, a larger piece of tissue may be needed for surgery. Biopsy with this surgery is more risky because of the anesthesia used.

Early detection of breast cancer independently

Regardless, you can do breast self-examination as a first step in early detection of breast cancer. This manual examination is called ESB (check your own breasts). Means include:

Standing in front of the mirror without getting dressed, raise your arms above your head and observe any changes in the chest, such as lumps, skin, and nipples, and all breasts to the armpit area.
Squeeze the palms so that the breasts stand out and observe the breasts again. See if there are lumps or wrinkles like orange peels, or holes like dimples and nipples that are pulled in.
Examine the breasts by pressing and gently tracing from the area around the nipple to the tip. Observe if there is abnormal flowing fluid, such as yellowish fluid, mixed with blood or pus. Distinguish breast milk if you are breastfeeding.
While lying down, place a pillow behind your back, raise your right hand behind your head and use your left hand to examine the right breast.
Touch with the tips of the three middle fingers pressed together. Make a circular motion with gentle and constant pressure, starting from the outer edge to the nipple in a clockwise direction.
Repeat the same thing on the other side of your chest.

If you notice a lump or change in the breast, immediately consult your doctor.