BSE is a simple breast inspection technique. This helps you to become familiar with the shape and texture of your breasts and to recognise any changes that may occur. This is especially important if you have lumpy breasts. Show
Why is BSE Important?Breast health begins with good breast care. Although there are many ways to lower your risk of developing breast cancer such as eating a healthy diet and keeping your skin around your breast moisturised, it is recommended for you to perform regular breast self examination. Performing regular BSE is important for early detection of breast abnormalities such as breast cancer. Early detection increases your chances of a successful treatment. How do I Perform a BSE?Part 1 : Breast Self AssessmentSteps:
Part 2 : Breast Self ExaminationLie down when you do this examination as it allows your breast tissue to spread out evenly across the chest wall and for easier detection of any abnormalities. Feel for changes in your breasts, underarm and collarbone areas. Steps:
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Can I perform BSE in a standing position? A: Yes, you can. Q: When is the best time to perform a BSE? A: The best time is five to seven days after your menses as your breasts will be less tender. If you are no longer menstruating, perform the BSE on a fixed date every month. Q: How frequent do I need to perform a BSE? A: It is recommended to examine your breasts once a month. Q: How long does a BSE take? A: The process takes between 10 to 15 minutes. Q: What should I do if I notice any changes? A: If you notice any changes to your breast, call TTSH Breast Clinic to arrange for an review. If you are not a patient of TTSH, you may proceed to your nearest polyclinic or general practitioner for a referral to see us. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better. Breast self-examination - in combination with mammography and breast examination by a health-care professional - can increase the chances of detecting breast abnormalities early, when treatment is most successful. The staff at the Beaumont Cancer Institute reaches out to educate women about breast cancer prevention and direct them to appropriate diagnostic services with:
What is a breast self-examination (BSE)?Breast self-examination is a procedure performed by an individual to physically and visually examine herself for any changes in the breasts and underarm areas of the body. It has not shown that BSE alone can accurately determine the presence of breast cancer. Therefore, BSE should not be used in place of, but in addition to, clinical breast examination (performed by a healthcare provider) and mammography. When should BSE be done?A monthly self breast exam is an important tool in detecting breast cancer early. By doing BSE regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally feel so that you are more apt to detect any change. Women should begin practicing breast self-examination by age 20 and continue the practice throughout their lives - even during pregnancy and after menopause. Become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel so that you may notice any change from what is normal for you.
Changes to be aware of:Check with your physician if you find any change in your breast(s) that causes you concern. Changes in your breasts may include:
How to do BSE:In Front of a Mirror1. Stand in front of a mirror that is large enough for you to see your breasts clearly. Check each breast for anything unusual. Check the skin for puckering, dimpling, or scaliness. Look for a discharge from the nipples. 2. Watching closely in the mirror, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. 3. Next, press your hands firmly on your hips and bend slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward. Do steps 2 and 3 to check for any change in the shape or contour of your breasts. As you do these steps, you should feel your chest muscles tighten. 4. Gently squeeze each nipple and look for a discharge. Lying DownThe breasts are best examined while lying down because it spreads the breast tissue evenly over the chest.
In the ShowerYour fingers slide more easily over wet, soapy skin. This may make lumps and other changes easier to feel. Remember to check your entire breast and underarm area.
Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately. Use the pads of the fingers of your other hand to check the breast and the surrounding area firmly, carefully, and thoroughly. Some women like to use lotion or powder to help their fingers glide easily over the skin. Feel for any unusual lump or mass under the skin. Feel the tissue by pressing your fingers in small, overlapping areas about the size of a dime. To be sure you cover the whole breast, take your time and follow a definite pattern: lines, circles, or wedges. Some research suggests that many women do BSE more thoroughly when they use a pattern of up-and-down lines or strips. Other women feel more comfortable with another pattern. The important thing is to cover the whole breast and to pay special attention to the area between the breast and the underarm, including the underarm itself. Check the area above the breast, up to the collarbone, and all the way over to your shoulder.
The American Cancer Society recommends using three different levels of pressure to examine your breasts:
6. Some women repeat step 5 in the shower. Your fingers will glide easily over soapy skin, so you can concentrate on feeling for changes underneath. What do you do if you find a lump?One of the most frightening moments for a woman is if she feels something different or unusual while performing breast self-examination. One of the most important reasons to perform regular breast self-examination is so that you know what is normal for your breasts. If you find a lump, it is important not to panic. If you discover a lump in one breast or feel something "different" in the tissue, or you feel a definite lump, there may be valid reason for concern and it is important to contact your physician. Sometimes, the lumpiness may be due to menstrual changes; however, if you have nipple discharge or skin changes such as dimpling or puckering, your physician may want to see you right away. It is natural to be frightened when discovering a lump, but do not let the prospect of cancer delay you from taking action. Remember that most of all breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). What is the examination that checks your breast?Mammography can detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection. But when combined with regular medical care and appropriate guideline-recommended mammography, breast self-exams can help women know what is normal for them so they can report any changes to their healthcare provider.
How should a woman check her breasts?Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit. You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.
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