Breast Self Exam
Breast Self Exam : The Basic
Many women are intimidated to do a breast self-exam (BSE) because they are either overwhelmed by the responsibility or afraid of what they may discover. Please rest assured: YOU CAN DO IT!
It is very important that women start to perform a BSE on a monthly basis starting around the age of 20. The regularity and consistency are a very important aspect of this exam.
By checking your breasts at the same time each month, you are able to notice any subtle changes that are not influenced by your hormones. The best time to perform a BSE is 7 days after your start your period.
Even if you have very ‘lumpy’ breasts, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! By checking your breasts often and regularly, you will become very familiar with each breast and be able to notice if a lump changes or feels differently.
You are the best judge of any changes that occur in your breast! It may be wise to keep a journal or draw a pictures that can help you remember the location and the size of the lumps in your breasts.
How to do Breast Self Exam
A Breast Self Exam does not have to be a cumbersome or exhausting process. If you dread doing your monthly exam, you will tend to never do it. Keep it simple and complete.
Try doing your BSE in the bathroom before and during your daily shower. Start by standing in front of a mirror and visually evaluating your breasts.
Check for any dimpling of your skin or changes in your nipple’s appearance. Gently squeeze your nipples to check for any nipple discharge. Raise your arms and look for any changes.
Once in the shower, use the water and soap as a lubricant to allow your fingers to slide on your skin. Raise one arm at a time and use the opposite hand to evaluate the the breast of the raised arm. Use the pads of your finger to evaluate every inch of your breast tissue. To simply this process, you may imagine your breast as four quadrants. Be sure to also bring your fingers completely to your arm pit area to evaluate your lymph nodes.
Once out of the shower, lay down to evaluate your breasts. To allow easier movement of your fingers, you may try using body lotion. Again, evaluate every inch of your tissue. Do this with your arms above your head as well as with your arms down by your side.
Any lumps or changes in your breasts should be brought to your doctor’s attention. Your doctor may then decide to do a Clinical breast exam or further diagnostic exams.
Practice Makes Perfect…
Even though the responsibility of examine your breasts may be overwhelming, The More You Do It- The Better You Get At It! When breast cancer is found early it is usually very treatable and curable. Check your breasts and check them often to ensure any breast lump gets noticed.
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