Breast Self-Exams: Empower Yourself with Regular Checks

Breast self-exams (BSE) are a simple and effective way for women to monitor their own breast health. By regularly examining your own breasts, you can become familiar with their normal appearance and feel, making it easier to detect any changes early.

Why Perform Breast Self-Exams?

Early Detection:

By regularly checking your breasts, you may detect lumps, changes, or other unusual signs earlier, which can lead to prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Awareness:

Becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts helps you notice any unusual changes more quickly.

Empowerment:

Taking an active role in your breast health can boost your confidence and help you feel more in control of your health.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Visual Inspection:
- Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
- Look for any changes in the shape, size, or symmetry of your breasts.
- Check for any visible distortion or swelling, and note any changes in the skin such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
- Observe your nipples for any changes in position or inversion, as well as any discharge.

Physical Examination - Standing or Sitting:
- Raise your arms and look for the same changes while your hands are behind your head.
- Using your right hand, examine your left breast and vice versa.
- Use the pads of your fingers and move in a circular motion covering 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.
- Follow a pattern to ensure that you cover the whole breast. You can choose circular motions, vertical lines, or wedge-shaped patterns moving outward from the nipple.

Physical Examination - Lying Down:
- When lying down, your breast tissue spreads more evenly along the chest wall, making it easier to feel all the tissue.
- Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head.
- Using your left hand, press gently yet firmly with the pads of your fingers to feel for any lumps or abnormalities, following the same patterns mentioned above.
- Repeat the process for the left breast with your right hand.

What to Look For

Lumps or Masses: Any new, hard lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
Changes in Size or Shape: Noticeable differences in the size or shape of your breasts.
Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, redness, or a rash on the breast.
Nipple Changes: Inverted nipple, unusual discharge, or changes in nipple appearance.
Persistent Pain: Any persistent pain or discomfort in one part of the breast.

When to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Monthly Routine: It’s recommended to perform a breast self-exam once a month.
Optimal Timing: The best time to do a BSE is a few days after your menstrual period ends when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you are post-menopausal, choose a specific day of the month that is easy to remember.

What to Do if You Find a Change

Don’t Panic: Most changes or lumps are not cancerous. Many women have some lumps or changes in their breasts that are benign.
Consult a Doctor: If you notice any changes, lumps, or unusual findings, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Combining Self-Exams with Other Screening Methods

Regular Mammograms: While BSEs are valuable, they are not a substitute for regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. Combining these methods provides the best chance for early detection.
Professional Guidance: Your healthcare provider can demonstrate the proper technique for performing a breast self-exam and answer any questions you may have.

By incorporating breast self-exams into your regular health routine, you take an active role in your breast health. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember that early detection can save lives. For more information or support, please contact us.