Breast Self Examination (BSE)

Breast self examination refers to check the breasts by yourself to detect any possible breast cancer signs or symptoms. Every women should examine her breasts on regular intervals to keep a check on the signs of breast cancer. Read on to know all about it and how to do self breast examination (BSE).

Why is Breast Self Examination Important?

Breast self examination has been universally accepted by the experts as a very simple, significant and effective method of early detection and breast cancer treatment. As with all other types of cancer early detection and a high index of suspicion are the keys to combating the menace of cancer.

When to do a Breast Self Examination?

Breast Self Examination should be done monthly. The perfect time is 7-10 days after the first day of your period. Make sure that you do the BSE (breast self examination) on the same day every month, even if you are not menstruating.

What Age Should One Start Self Breast Examination?

Every female above the above of 20 should do self breast examination on regular intervals. Though, breast cancer is generally found in ladies over 50 years but there is no harm in keeping a check on the potential breast cancer symptoms from an early age.

How to Do Breast Self Examination?

Use the left hand for the right breast and right and for the left. Apply firm pressure and make small circles as you go back or forth (up or down, circular or spoke style) in a pattern covering all the breast area including the nipple.


• Stand in front of a mirror and look at each breast separately. Note the size, shape, colour, contour and direction of your breasts and nipples. Has there been any change in size? Has any nipple become turned in or is there any discharge or any change in the texture of the skin?





• Raise your arms over your head and look at your breasts, as you turn slowly from side to side. Any swellling or puckering of the skin?









• Lean forward and examine each breast for change in outline or dimpling of the skin.



• Now, lying down, using the pads of your three middle fingertips feel for any lumps or bumpy areas.







• Extend the examination to the breast tissue in the underarm. Keep moving your hand across the nipple till you feel you have felt all parts of the breast.





• Feel for lumps under and along the top of the collar bone. Change your hand and repeat BSE on the opposite breast.

What to Look for in a Breast Cancer Examination?

There are certain pointers that one should look for while examining for breast cancer symptoms. These pointers are mentioned as under:

Size of Breasts

Breasts should be of the regular size. Any unnatural increase or lowering of one of the breasts should not be ignored and a general physician's opinion needs to be taken immediately. Though, one has to remember that there is a slight difference in both the breast is natural. Thus, one has to look for abnormal changes.

Lumps in Breast

Abnormal lumps or thickening in breast can be dangerous. In case one experiences such a difference in her breasts then its imperative for her to see a doctor immediately for breast cancer prevention.

Changes in Nipples

Any kind of changes in breast nipples calls for a physician's consultation. See if there is any change in the shape or position of your nipples. Look if they are abnormally inverted or pulled in. Many females naturally have inverted nipples hence, take note of changes that are not normal in your particular case.

Swelling

Swelling in collarbone or armpit, precisely where lymph nodes are, can be a warning sign of breast cancer. Immediately seek a physician's opinion.

Pain in Breasts

In case you experience persisting pain in any particular part of your breast or arm pit then do seek a physician's advise.

Rashes Around Nipples

Rashes over or around the nipple would need medical attention.

Discharge from Nipples

Any kind of abnormal discharge from nipples can be a potential symptom of breast cancer. It is not be ignored at any cost.

Changes in Breast Skin

Dimpling or puckering of breast skin can be a sign of breast cancer. In case you observe such a change in your breast, its time to see a physician.

What are the warning signs of Breast cancer?

• Lump or thickening (breast, underarm)
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
• Bloody or spontaneous discharge from nipple.
• A sore on the breast that does not heal.
• Unusual pain Itch or rash, especially in nipple area.
• Retracted nipple(s).

A note of caution is waranted here. Only 1 out of 10 of any breast lumps that are found to merit investigation for cancer may prove malignant. Therefore presence of a breast lump should not press panic buttons at the outset.