Breast Self-Exam: Important Tips for Your Health

Breast self-exams (BSE) are a crucial part of taking charge of your breast health. By regularly examining your breasts, you become familiar with their normal look and feel, making it easier to notice any changes. While BSE cannot replace regular mammograms and checkups with your doctor, it serves as an important tool for early detection.

Why are Breast Self-Exams Important?

Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women globally. Early detection dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Performing regular BSEs helps you become familiar with your breasts’ normal texture, allowing you to identify any abnormalities early on.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

There are a few different ways to perform a breast self-exam, but the most important thing is to choose a method that works best for you and to be consistent. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visual Inspection:

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Examine your breasts for any changes in size, shape, or contour.
Look for any swelling, dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin.
Check if your nipples are inverted or if there is any discharge.

2. Manual Examination (Lying Down):

Lie down with your left arm behind your head.
Use the pads of your three middle fingers on your right hand to feel for lumps or thickening in your left breast.
Use overlapping circular motions, moving your fingers in a pattern around your breast. Be sure to cover the entire breast area, from your collarbone to below your ribcage, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Apply three levels of pressure – light, medium, and firm – to examine the different layers of breast tissue.
Repeat on the other side.

3. Manual Examination (Shower):

Some women find it easier to examine their breasts in the shower when the skin is wet and slippery.
Raise your right arm and place your hand behind your head.
Use the pads of your left hand to examine your right breast, applying the same circular motions and pressure levels as mentioned above.
Repeat on the other side.

What to Look For During a Breast Self-Exam

Lumps: Feel for any new lumps, bumps, or thickening in your breast tissue.
Changes in Size or Shape: Notice if one breast becomes larger or smaller than the other, or if the shape changes.
Skin Changes: Look for dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaliness of the skin.
Nipple Changes: Observe for any discharge, inversion, or crusting of the nipple.
Pain or Tenderness: Be aware of any persistent pain or tenderness that is not related to your menstrual cycle.

When to See Your Doctor

It’s important to remember that not all breast changes are cancerous. However, it’s crucial to consult your doctor if you notice any of the following:

A new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
Any changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breasts.
Any skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaliness.
Any nipple changes, such as discharge, inversion, or crusting.
Any persistent pain or tenderness in your breast.

Remember, early detection saves lives!

Performing regular breast self-exams is a simple yet powerful step towards taking control of your breast health. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.