Women should examine their breasts monthly to look and feel for irregularities. Regular breast self-examination can help you discover changes that may be signs of infection or breast cancer, such as spots and breast lumps. When breast cancer is diagnosed early, the chances of survival are much better. While self-examination is important for breast health, it should not be a replacement for regular screening tests. You should still visit your gynaecologist regularly for more informed advice on queries like when you should undergo screening tests.
What exactly is a breast self-examination?
It is a step-by-step method that women can follow to examine their breasts. This should be done once a month. By examining and feeling your breasts regularly, you can detect abnormalities. It takes only a few minutes and can easily fit into your schedule. You can conduct a breast examination while dressing/undressing, lying on the bed, or taking a shower.
How is it done?
Breast self-examination involves three steps:
Visual inspection (in front of a mirror)
Stand in front of a mirror with your shirt and bra removed. Lower your arms by your sides. Slowly turn side to side and look for changes such as:
- Breast shape or size
- Swelling of the breast
- Skin dimpling
- Changes in the nipple
- Fluid discharge from nipples
Next, raise your arms above and look for the same signs. Lastly, put your hands against your hips and press firmly to tighten your chest muscles. Look for the same changes mentioned. Make sure to examine both breasts.
Manual inspection (while standing up or in the shower)
Use your left hand to examine your right breast, then vice versa. Press on every part of one breast using the pads of your three middle fingers. Start with light pressure, then moderate, then firm. Feel for lumps and thick spots. Do a small circular movement to make sure you hit every spot of the breast. Then, press the tissue under your arm. Also, make sure to check under the pigmented area around the nipple (areola). Squeeze your nipple gently to check for leaks or discharge. Repeat these steps on the other breast.
Manual inspection (while lying down)
Your breast tissue spreads more evenly when you lie down. This is a good position to feel for changes in the breast, especially if they are large. As you lie down, put a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. Apply the same technique described in the second step using your left hand. Press all parts of your breast tissue and under your arm using the pads of your four fingers (except your thumb finger). Lastly, swap the pillow to your left shoulder and do the same with your right hand. Do not forget to squeeze your nipple gently to check for leaks or discharge.
What particular time of the month should I perform breast self-examination?
Women who are still menstruating and have a regular period should perform a breast self-examination seven to ten days after their period, when the breasts are least tender. For those women who have stopped menstruating and those who have irregular periods, you can pick any day of the month. You may opt for a day that is easy to remember.
When should I see my doctor?
If you notice changes in your breast or find a lump, remain calm. Many self-examination findings are not signs of breast cancer. But make an appointment with a gynaecologist or breast specialist if you notice these changes:
- Different look or feel of the nipple
- Change in the look, feel, or size of the breast
- Change in the skin texture of the breast skin (puckering or dimpling)
- Nipple discharge (clear or bloody fluid)
- Pulling in of the nipple or other area
- Breast of nipple pain
- A hard lump in the breast or underarm area
- Rash on the nipple
- Swelling of one or both breasts
- Redness or dark spots on the breast area
Breast specialists and gynaecologists can conduct further tests to screen whether the lump or any irregularity that you found indicates a benign breast condition or breast cancer.
Conclusion
Breast self-examination (BSE) is the first step to increasing breast awareness and chances of survivability when breast cancer is diagnosed early. It may not always be a reliable method to detect breast cancer, but a good number of women reported that the first sign of their cancer was a breast lump personally discovered. Regular breast self-exams help you maintain breast health and find early signs of disease before it worsens or spreads.
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