BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
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One of the most important things you can do for your health is to get to
know your breasts. Breast Self Examination (BSE) is the way for you to notice any changes
in your breasts, changes that could be signs of breast cancer. If you should notice an
unusual lump, discharge or any other change during the month, whether or not you notice it
during BSE, contact your doctor. The earlier the doctor can examine it, the better. Most
lumps are not cancer but all changes that you find should be checked out.
Do BSE every month, have an exam by a doctor each year and have regular mammograms. Doing
these things can help save your life.
When to do BSE
If you still menstruate (have your period) the best time is two or three days after your
period ends. These are the days when your breasts are least likely to be tender or
swollen.
If you no longer menstruate, pick the same day of every month. It will be easy to
remember.
If you take hormones, check with your doctor about the best time for your BSE.
How to do BSE
Stand in front of a mirror that lets you see
your breasts clearly. Look at both breasts. You are looking for anything unusual. This
includes puckered, dimpled or scaly skin, or any discharge (clear or colored fluid) from
nipples.
Now, look carefully to see if there is any
change in the shape of your breasts. First, clasp your hands behind your head and press
your hands forward.
Next, press your hands on your hips - firmly -
and continue to look for changes in the shape of your breasts. Bend slightly toward the
mirror as you hunch your shoulders and pull your elbows forward.
Choose your pattern
Use one of the following three patterns to examine your breasts. The one you choose is not
important. What is important is that you don't miss any areas.
Begin in the underarm area and move your
fingers down until they are below the breast. Move your fingers in toward the center and
go slowly back up. Cover the whole area, going up and down.
or
Begin at the outer edge of your breast, moving
your fingers slowly around the entire breast. When you come back to where you started,
make a smaller circle and do it again. Continue, working toward the nipple. Check your
underarm and upper chest areas too.
or
Start at the outer edge of the breast and move
your fingers toward the nipple and back. Do the whole breast, covering one wedge-shaped
section at a time. Check your underarm and upper chest areas too.
With any pattern, be sure to check the area under your nipples too.
Begin examining your breasts for lumps and thickness, using one of the three different
patterns.
Raise one arm, putting your hand behind your
head. With the opposite hand, use the pads of your fingers (the flat part) to check the
breast, the area between the breast and underarm, the underarm itself and the area above
the breast, up to the collarbone and over to your shoulder. Check each area firmly,
carefully and completely.
Some women prefer to do this in the shower. It's a good idea, because fingers glide easily
over soapy skin, making it easier to feel for changes underneath.
Repeat step 4 lying down. Lie flat on your
back, with your right hand behind your head and a pillow or folded towel under your right
shoulder. With your left hand, examine the right breast and area around it very carefully.
Then switch hands and repeat the procedure for the left breast. You can use any of the
patterns listed.
Who should do BSE and WHY?
Breast cancer is the number two cause of cancer related deaths in women.
Any woman can get breast cancer.
Ninety percent of early breast cancer is curable.
BSE can help you notice changes in your breasts.
You can do BSE and it only takes ten minutes a month.
Most (80%) lumps are not cancer (but all lumps and other changes in the breast should be
checked out be a doctor).
A doctor should examine your breasts once a year.
Have a mammogram. It can find breast cancer years before you can.
If you are age 40 to 49; Get a mammogram every one to two years.
If you are over 50; Get a mammogram every year.
Women who do BSE and have regular exams and mammograms are keeping in touch with their
breast health. Keep in touch for the rest of your life!
Reprinted as a public service courtesy of the New York State Department of Health
Ultimately, personal vigilance and early detection remain a woman's best weapons in the war against cancer.
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