Performing a breast self-examination (BSE) is one way to check for lump or changes in your breasts.
Here, we consider BSE as an essential practice for women. This is because it helps them become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts.
Basically, the BSE involves regularly examining your breasts to detect any changes, lumps, or abnormalities that could be potential signs of breast cancer or other breast-related health issues.
Before we look at the best way to do a breast self-examination, let us see some reasons it is considered necessary:
1. Early Detection Of Breast Abnormalities
Regular self-examination enables a woman to become familiar with the usual texture and appearance of their breasts.
As a result, you can quickly notice any changes that may occur, such as new lumps or masses.
Detecting these changes early on increases the likelihood of detecting breast cancer or other conditions at an early stage.
Really, treatment is often more effective and outcomes are generally better with early detection.
2. Complementing Other Screening Methods
While the BSE is not a replacement for mammography or clinical breast exams performed by healthcare professionals, it serves as an additional tool for breast health monitoring.
Often, they are based on mammograms and clinical exams are typically recommended at specific intervals based on age and risk factors, but the BSE can be done more frequently, allowing women to stay vigilant between these screenings.
3. Empowerment And Awareness
Indeed, when you examine your breasts regularly you find that you will begin to take play active role in your health.
Being aware of your own breast health can provide peace of mind and a sense of control over your well-being.
4. Knowledge Of One’s Body
Through self-examination, you can better understand the natural variations and changes that occur in your breasts throughout your menstrual cycle and as you age.
This knowledge can help distinguish between normal changes and potentially-concerning abnormalities.
5. Personalised Risk Assessment
Also, you may have different levels of risk for breast cancer based on various factors, including family history, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle choices.
Self-examination allows you to be more attuned to your breast health and recognise any deviations from your norm.
6. Access To Healthcare
Detecting breast abnormalities early through self-examination can prompt individuals to seek timely medical attention.
Furthermore, as a result of the self-awareness that comes from regular BSE, more women may be encouraged to consult healthcare providers promptly.
This will lead to timely diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
It’s important to note that while breast self-examination is valuable, it should be performed alongside regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as part of a comprehensive breast health screening program.
Additionally, if a woman notices any unusual changes in her breasts during self-examination, she should promptly consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate follow-up.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a BSE:
1. Preparation
Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can stand in front of a mirror and lie down comfortably also.
2. Visual Examination
To begin, stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side.
Look at your breasts for any visible changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
Check for any swelling, dimpling, or puckering.
Also, inspect the nipples for any abnormalities, such as changes in direction or discharge.
3. Raising Your Arms
Keep looking in the mirror, and raise your arms overhead. Observe for the same changes mentioned above.
4. Manual Examination While Standing
Now, to check for lump, raise one arm and use the pads of your fingers (not fingertips) from your other hand to gently feel your breast in a circular motion.
Start from the outer part and move inwards towards the nipple. Next, cover the entire breast, including the area under your armpit.
Apply different levels of pressure—light, medium, and firm—to feel different depths of breast tissue.
5. Manual Examination While Lying Down
To further check for lump, lie down on your back on a bed or flat surface.
Place a small pillow or folded towel under your shoulder on the side you’re examining.
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Raise your arm above your head.
Also, use the same circular motion with your fingers to examine your breast and armpit on that side. Remember to cover the entire breast area.
6. Repeat For The Other Breast
Perform steps 4 and 5 for your other breast.
7. Nipple Examination
Finally, gently squeeze each nipple between your thumb and forefinger. Look for any discharge, such as clear fluid, blood, or pus.
While this is a good way to check for lump, it’s important to note that a breast self-examination is not a substitute for regular clinical breast examinations or mammograms.
If you notice any changes, lumps, or abnormalities during the self-examination, make sure to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
Meanwhile, one other popular issue that women have is infection.
Here is something that you could do to tackle infection if you are a woman.