Breast Self-Exam

Why do the Breast Self-Exam?(BSE)

There are many good reasons for doing a breast self-exam each month. One reason is that it is easy to do and the more you do it, the better you will get at it. When you get to know how your breasts normally feel you will quickly be able to feel any change, and early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Most breast lumps are found by women themselves, but in fact most lumps are not cancer.

Remember: A breast self-exam could save your breast—and save your life . Be safe, be sure.

When to do the Breast Self-Exam?

The best time to do breast self-exam is right after your period, when breasts are not tender or swollen. If you do not have regular periods or sometimes skip a month, do it on the same day every month.

How to do Breast Self-Exam?

Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.

Use the finger pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps or thickening in your right breast. Your finger pads are the top third of each finger.

Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. If you’re not sure how hard to press, ask your health care provider, or try to copy the way your health care provider uses the finger pads during a breast exam. Learn what your breast feels like most of the time. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.

Move around the breast in a set way. You can choose either the circle (A) the tip and down (B) or the wedge (C). Do it the same way every time. It will help you to make sure that you've gone over the entire breast area, and to remember how your breast feels.

Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.

For added safety you can also check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after BSE each month.
Source: American Cancer Society

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