A women's breasts change throughout her life. Factors such age, monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breast
feeding, birth control, menopause, or a bruise or blow to the breast can cause these changes. Because
most breast lumps are found by women themselves, you should learn how to examine your breasts and do so
monthly. Besides, doing it yourself (and having your husband assist) reduces stress and time and costs
of having it done elsewhere or at an exam center. However, nothing takes the place of a professional, so
if you find something suspicious, then you need to immediately get to your medical provider for an
in-depth
examination.As you examine yourself you will develop more confidence in knowing how your breasts normally feel and
thus you should be able to recognize any changes that may occur. If you do find a change, don't let
fear keep you from seeing your medical provider as most breast lumps are benign. If breast cancer is found
and treated early, a woman has more treatment options and a good chance of complete recovery, so early
detection is immportant. Self-examination should be one component of your breast health program,
which also should include a mammorgraphy at an appropriate age and physical examination of your breasts
by a trained medical professional.
Breasts are made up of ducts, lobes, lobules, fibrous tissue, and fat, with underlying muscle and bone
(ribs). Therefore it is normal for breasts to feel lumpy or uneven.
When to BSE (Breast Self-Exam)
BSE should be done once a month. If you menstruate, the best time to do BSE is 2 or 3 days after your
period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you no longer
menstruate,
pick a day, such as the first day of the month. If you are just learning how to examine your
breasts, you may want to do BSE once a week for a few months to see how your breasts change over time.
Once you know what is normal for you, then do BSE only once a month.
Step 1
Stand before a mirror, checking each breast for anything unusual, such as discharge from the nipples,
puckering, dimpling, or scaling of the skin. Each time you examine your breasts you will become
more familiar with how they appear and feel, making it easier to notice any changes that may occur.
Notice the normal size and shape of each breast - it is not unusual for one breast to be larger than
the other and the normal position of the nipple.
Step 2
Standing in front of the mirror clasp your hands behind your head and press them forward. You should
feel your chest muscles tighten. Look in the mirror at the shape and contour of your breasts. Take
your time; again, look for any change in the size and shape of each breast and look for any swelling,
dimpling, rash, discoloration, or other unusual changes in the skin.
Step 3
Next, press hands firmly on hips and bend slightly toward your mirror as you pull your shoulders and
elbows forward. Once again, you should feel your chest muscles tighten. Look for any change in the
shape or contour of your breasts.
Step 4
Gently squeeze each nipple and look for a discharge. In fact, if you have a discharge at any time
you should check it out with your medical provider.
Step 5
The next step is done standing straight up. Raise your left arm. use the pads of the fingers of
your right hand to check your left breast and the surrounding area - firmly, carefully and thoroughly.
some women like to use lotion or powder to help their fingers glide easily over the skin. Feel for
any unusual mass under the skin. A lump is unusual if it has not been felt during earlier breast
exams and it now stands out against the normal feel of your breast.
Feel the tissue by pressing your fingers in small, overlapping circles covering all area about the
size of a dime. To make sure you cover your entire breast, take your time and follow a definite
pattern: circles, lines or wedges.
Step 6
Repeat Step 5 lying down. Lie flat on your back with your left arm over your head and a pillow
or folded towel placed under your left shoulder. this position flattens the breast and makes it
easier to examine. Check the left breast and the area around it very carefully, using one of
the patterns described in Step 5. Repeat the exam on the right breast. If your breasts are large,
you may need to hold the side of each one steady with your other hand while you are performing
the examination.
Step 7
Some Women repeat Step 5 in the shower. Your fingers will glide easily over soapy skin, so you can
concentrate on feeling for changes underneath.
Step 8
If you feel something in one breast that appears unusual or different from before, check to see if
it is present in your other breast. If the same structure is in the same place in both breasts,
the chances are good that your breasts are normal. If you find a lump a few days before or during
your menstrual period, reexamine your breasts when your period ends. Often a lump found at this
time may be due to the normal collection of fluid during your peirod. If the lump doesn't
disappear before your next period begins, see your healthcare provider soon.
