Breast self-examination (BSE) is a powerful and proactive approach to safeguard your breast health. By taking a few minutes each month to perform a self-exam, you can play an important role in detecting any changes in your breast tissue and potentially identify abnormalities early on. Understanding the importance of BSE and knowing how to perform it correctly empowers women to take control of their well-being.
“Breast self- examination is a convenient, no- cost, painless, safe and non-invasive technique as it can be done at home on your own,” said Dr Sandip Bipte, Consultant, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Why Breast Self-Examination Matters
Early Detection
BSE allows you to become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. This familiarity enables you to quickly notice any changes, such as lumps, bumps, or skin irregularities, which could signal the need for further evaluation.
According to Dr Bipte, BSE cannot detect all breast lumps. It can be difficult to detect deeper lumps or bumps in women with dense breast tissue.
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Risk Awareness
Regular self-exams help you become attuned to your body and its unique characteristics. This heightened awareness enables you to detect potential issues early and seek professional advice if needed.
How to Perform Breast Self-Examination
Choose a Consistent Time
Perform BSE at the same time each month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends. Hormonal changes during your cycle can affect breast tissue.
Visual Inspection
Stand in front of a mirror and examine your breasts for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Look for dimpling, puckering, or changes in nipple position.
Raise Your Arms
Raise your arms above your head to observe any visible changes in breast appearance.
Manual Examination
Lie down and use the opposite hand to examine each breast. Use the pads of your fingers to feel for lumps, thickening, or any unusual changes in breast tissue. Follow an up-and-down pattern, covering the entire breast.
Check Nipples
Gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge or any changes in texture.
Repeat in the Shower
Some women find it easier to perform BSE in the shower using soap or water to glide their fingers over the breast tissue.
As per National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast self-exam should be performed a few days following the end of a woman's menstruation if she is still menstruating. Post-menopausal women should perform a breast self-exam on the same day of the month, such as the first or fifteenth.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice any of the following during your self-exam, consult a healthcare professional promptly:
- New lump or mass
- Change in size, shape, or appearance of breasts
- Unexplained pain or tenderness
- Skin changes, such as redness or dimpling
- Nipple discharge or inversion
Breast self-examination is a proactive and empowering practice that puts you in control of your breast health. Regular self-exams, coupled with routine clinical screenings and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider, create a comprehensive strategy for early detection and optimal breast wellness.
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By dedicating a small amount of time each month to this essential routine, you're investing in your long-term health and well-being. Your breasts, and your overall health, deserve the attention and care that breast self-examination provides.