Every October, one topic receives special attention: breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims not only to remember those affected but also to raise awareness, provide knowledge, and encourage women (and men) to be mindful of their bodies. Because the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. That's why on this special day, we want to highlight the valuable work of discovering hands.
Many women regularly self-examine their breasts – and this is a valuable step. But early detection requires sensitivity and experience, as small changes in tissue are not always easy to feel.
Self-care can save lives
Approximately one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and unfortunately, this includes young women and mothers. Practicing self-care and utilizing all options for early detection should be a given for women. Here, we explain what this can look like and introduce a special method: tactile breast examination by blind women with a particularly fine sense of touch. The good news is that if breast cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are very good. A malignant tumor in the breast is not life-threatening if it is still small and has not spread – meaning it has not yet formed metastases.
What is discovering hands?
The social and inclusion enterprise discovering hands trains blind and severely visually impaired women to become so-called Medical Tactile Examiners (MTEs). Due to their particularly highly developed sense of touch, they can feel even the smallest changes in breast tissue – often earlier than devices or routine medical palpation. The examination usually takes longer than a standard check-up at the doctor and is carried out very carefully, thoroughly, and respectfully. For many patients, this is not just a medical examination but also a very personal, empowering experience.
discovering hands offers this scientifically validated method, "Tactilography," in its own centers and cooperating doctor's offices throughout Germany: You can find the practices here: https://www.discovering-hands.de/praxisfinder.
Instructions for Tactile Breast Self-Examination (TSE)
Regular self-examination of the breast is also very important to detect noticeable changes in breast tissue early. Many women are unsure about this or are afraid of discovering something "bad." Learning to systematically palpate one's own breast under professional guidance provides security and helps one get to know their own breasts well.
Medical Tactile Examiners certified by discovering hands individually and thoroughly instruct women on their own breasts, so that every participant can easily perform the Tactile Self-Examination according to a "TSE" on themselves, preferably monthly at the same time, for example, always on the 1st of the month.
What to consider during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The experienced MTE Filiz Demir explains what pregnant and breastfeeding women should pay attention to during Tactilography and TSE: "The tactile breast examination (TBE) by an MTE and the instructions for self-examination are generally possible during this time – but the TBE only from the 4th to the 6th month of pregnancy, because intensive palpation can trigger milk production and even labor." About one hour before the TBE, the woman should breastfeed or pump so that the milk ducts and lobules are empty during the examination. "Only then can the tactile result be reliable." The TSE can always be performed, as it focuses on training systematic self-examination.
"Our unique profession is based on our intuition, the professional qualification of the MTEs, accuracy, and time for each patient," explains Filiz Demir, who went blind as a young woman. "My colleagues and I are dedicated to this work because, despite our severe disability, we can, in the best-case scenario, save other people's lives. We are also approachable contacts for all questions regarding breast health."
Further early detection methods
During the annual preventive examination, gynecologists palpate the patient's breast, but only briefly and therefore less thoroughly than during a tactilography. In case of suspicion, ultrasound and possibly a core needle biopsy may be considered.
Mammography screening is only available to women aged 50 and over, then every two years. discovering hands recommends participation because the risk from X-rays poses far fewer risks than foregoing imaging diagnostics. They should continue to undergo tactilography for additional safety, ideally between two mammographies. Since younger women also develop breast cancer, an annual examination by an MTE (more often if there are risk factors such as breast cancer in the family) is highly recommended for them, as well as for women who do not wish to have a mammography.
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Alina from das boep
