What is Breast Self-Examination?
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, routine check that you can do at home to look for changes in your breasts. Regular self-examination helps you become familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts, making it easier to spot any unusual changes early. Early detection of breast abnormalities can be crucial in diagnosing conditions like breast cancer early, when treatment is more effective. It is recommended for adult women of all ages, not just those age 50 - 71 invited for mammograms.
Why Perform Breast Self-Examination?
Regular BSE helps you understand what is normal for your breasts, so you can identify any unusual changes as soon as they occur. While BSE is not a substitute for professional screening methods like mammograms (in those age 50 - 71), it is a valuable tool for early detection.
How Often Should I Perform a Breast Self-Examination?
It is recommended to perform a BSE once a month. For those who menstruate, the best time to perform the examination is a few days after your period ends, when breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you do not menstruate, choose a consistent day each month.
Step-by-Step Guide to Breast Self-Examination
1. Preparation:
• Choose a comfortable, well-lit space, such as a bathroom or bedroom.
2. Look at Your Breasts in the Mirror:
• Stand or sit in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms by your sides.
• Look for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry. It’s normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other.
• Check for any visible lumps, dimpling, puckering of the skin, or changes in the nipple (such as inversion or discharge).
• Press your hands firmly on your hips and bend slightly towards the mirror as you put your shoulders and elbows forward.
3. Raise Your Arms:
• Raise your arms above your head, or put your hands behind your head, and look for the same changes. Note any movement or difference between the breasts.
4. Feel Your Breasts While Lying Down:
• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. This position helps spread the breast tissue evenly.
• Using your left hand, use the pads of your fingers to examine your right breast. Move in small, circular motions about the size of a coin, covering the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side.
• Use different levels of pressure (light, medium, and firm) to feel all the tissue:
• Light pressure: Feel the tissue closest to the skin.
• Medium pressure: Feel a little deeper.
• Firm pressure: Feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs.
• Be sure to feel the entire breast, from the collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage, and don't forget to feel around the areola and nipple.
• Repeat the process on the left breast using your right hand.
5. Feel Your Breasts While Standing or Sitting:
• It’s also helpful to feel your breasts while standing or sitting, often easier during a shower when your skin is wet and slippery. Use the same circular motion and pattern as when lying down.
What to Look For
• Lumps or thickened areas: Any new lumps, thickened tissue, or unusual hardness.
• Changes in size or shape: Noticeable differences from previous examinations.
• Skin changes: Dimpling, puckering, redness, or rash-like appearance.
• Nipple changes: Inversion, discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in position.
• Pain: Persistent pain in one part of the breast.
What to Do if You Find an Abnormality
• Don’t panic: Most breast changes are not cancerous, but it’s important to get them checked.
• Contact your doctor: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your findings.
Additional Tips
• Be gentle: Use the pads of your fingers, not the tips, to feel the breast tissue.
• Know your normal: Everyone’s breasts are different; regular BSE will help you know what’s typical for you.
• Stay consistent: Performing BSE monthly helps you track any changes over time.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor if you notice:
• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm.
• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts.
• Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody or occurs without squeezing.
• Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, rash or eczema.
• Persistent breast pain that is not related to your menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
Breast self-examination is a valuable practice that empowers you to take control of your breast health. While it is not a replacement for regular professional screening for those in the screening age range, BSE can help you detect changes early. If you find anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
For further information or if you have any questions, please speak with your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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