Breast self-exam (BSE) is the process of checking your
breasts monthly for lumps and other
changes.
Why do it?
More women get breast cancer than
any kind of cancer. The best way to beat it is to find it
early. Learning how to check your breasts can save your
life. You may not do BSE because you are ""too busy'' or
""don't know what you are looking for.'' Some women do not
check their breasts because they are afraid of finding a lump.
Don't let this possibility stop you. Most breast lumps or
changes in your breasts are
not cancer. However, if a lump
is cancerous, it's better to find it as soon as
possible.
When to do it?
If you are 20 years of age or older you should check your
breasts monthly.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
The best time to check your breasts is about 1 week
after your period ends. The breasts are not swollen, lumpy,
or tender at this time. Check them the same day each month
if you are not having periods because of pregnancy or
menopause. Talk to your doctor if you have had a
hysterectomy. He or she will tell you the best time to
check your breasts. Even if you have breast implants, BSE
should be done each month.
At first, you will find it hard to know what feels
normal and what does not in your breasts. Regular BSE's
will help you learn the feel of your
breasts.
Use the following procedure to check your
breasts:
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your
sides. Look at each breast and nipple to check for
swelling, lumps, dimpling, scaly skin, or other skin
changes.
Join your hands behind your head and push your
hands forward while looking at your breasts in the
mirror. Repeat these steps again with your arms raised
over your head.
Lie down and put a pillow or towel under your left
shoulder. Put your left hand over your head. Gently press
into the skin of your breast using the pads of the first
3 fingers of your right hand. Move your finger pads in a
circle as you feel your breast
tissue.
Start at the outer part of your breast and slowly
move around it in a clockwise direction Make small, round
movements with your hands. Squeeze your nipple to check
for liquid coming from it.
Check your other breast the same way. Gently use
pressure as you move your fingers around your breasts.
Feel the skin deep in your breasts and the skin near the
top.
Raise your left arm and use the pads of your first
3 fingers of your right hand to feel in and around your
armpit. Do the same thing with the other
armpit.
Your breasts can also be checked while you are
bathing. Lumps can be felt more easily when your skin is
wet. You should have your doctor check your breasts once
each year.
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