She was wearing pink to 'support breast cancer awareness.' I went up to her and asked her if she or someone she knew had got a mammogram done. “What gram?” she asked me. And that's why breast cancer awareness is important in our country, I thought to myself. Despite being the most common type of cancer in India (every second case of breast cancer proves fatal), some women are more likely to know about Instagram rather than something as crucial as mammogram. Clearly, a lot of women are still clueless about the condition, its symptoms and precautions. October - the Breast Cancer Awareness month - ends today, and before we forget about the disease for another year, here are things you should be aware of. Remember, precaution is better than cure.

What is self examination?

Reports say that about 40% of women discover a lump in their breasts at some point in their lives. A lump might or might not be cancerous depending on what immediate action people take after discovering it.

Self examination is perhaps the only way to detect breast cancer. Therefore, any abnormalities must be reported to the doctor immediately.

Your five-step guide

Risk factors

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here's what you should look for:

Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and colour.
Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.
If you see dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin, bring them to your doctor's attention.
A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling
Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, yellow or blood).
Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then vice versa. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a coin.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step.