Breast Cancer Self-Exam Guidance: How to Do Them Correctly
Introduction
Breast Self Examination (BSE) is a common method used by women to identify any abnormalities in the breasts or lumps that could indicate signs of having breast cancer. This examination will help in knowing how your breasts look and feel and it also helps in early detection of breast cancer if any such symptoms are seen.
Though breast self-exams do help to some extent in getting to know if there are any abnormalities in the way your breasts look or feel and a possible chance for breast cancer, it's always advisable to consult an expert.
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What is the right time to perform a Breast Self Exam?
It is best advised to do a Breast Self Examination at least once a month to help in detecting breast cancer early. By doing this regularly, you will get familiar with your breasts and a slight change will help easily detect early signs of breast cancer.
- The best time to do a BSE if you still menstruate is a week after your period ends.
- If you are in your menopause, pick a date and do a BSE regularly at that date for every month.
- It is best to consult your physician if you are taking hormones.
How to perform a BSE?
A thorough self breast examination is done in 3 steps: In Front of a Mirror, Lying Down, and In the Shower.
1. In Front of the Mirror
- Place yourself in front of a large enough mirror to see your breasts well. Look for anything out of the ordinary on each breast. Look for signs of scaliness, puckering, or dimpling on the skin. Check the nipples for any discharge.
- Press your hands forward and clasp them behind your head while you watch intently in the mirror.
- Next, lift your elbows and shoulders forward while bending slightly toward the mirror and placing your hands firmly on your hips.
- To see if your breasts' form or contour has changed, complete steps two and three. Your chest muscles should tighten as you follow these steps.
- Squeeze each nipple gently, then check for discharge.
2. Lying Down
- This is the best way to examine your breasts as this position will spread the breast tissues evenly over the chest.
- With a pillow or folded towel beneath your shoulder and one arm over your head, lie flat on your back. The breast is flattened in this position, which facilitates checking.
- Firmly push on your right breast with the middle fingers of your left hand using the finger pads rather than the fingertips.
3. In the Shower
- Examine the entire breast and armpit region using the pads or flats of your three middle fingers, using gentle, medium, and firm pressure.
- Every month, examine both breasts and feel for any changes, such as firm knots, thickenings, or new lumps.
What to look out for during the Breast Self Examination?
When doing a breast cancer self-examination, keep an eye out for the following changes:
- A lump
- A shift in the textures of the breasts
- Changes in breast size, shape, and volume
- Modification in the look of breast skin
- Nipple/nipple discharge change
- Breast or armpit pain or discomfort
What should you do if you observe any changes?
1. Do not panic
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, and most women always have some lumps or lumpy patches in their breasts. Non-cancerous breast lumps can result from a variety of factors, such as damage, benign breast conditions, or normal hormonal fluctuations.
2. Call Your Doctor
Be sure to take notice of any changes or new lumps in your breast. Contact your physician if it becomes larger or persists for more than one menstrual cycle. Before contacting your doctor, if you menstruate, wait until after your period to see if it goes away.
3. Have it examined
Your doctor will examine your breast, go over your medical history, and probably request imaging tests as part of a breast lump evaluation. An ultrasound is typically the first test performed on women under 30 who are pregnant or nursing. Both a mammogram and an ultrasound are usually advised for women over 30 who are not pregnant or nursing.
Conclusion
Conducting routine breast self-examination is a proactive approach to monitor any changes in your breasts and identify possible issues early. Although BSE is a useful tool, healthcare professionals advise against using it in place of routine clinical tests and mammography. Do not hesitate to seek additional assessment from your physician if you observe any odd changes. Being proactive and knowledgeable about your breast health is vital since early identification is key to successful breast cancer therapy.
If you are stuck about what to do next after a BSE, reach out to us to get expert guidance from the best Gynaecologist in Bangalore.
