Breast Self-Exam

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a method used to detect early breast cancer. The method involves feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling. A self-exam should be done once a month by every woman age 2O and over. Do the breast self- exam just after the end of menstruation because the breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender at this time. Post-menopausal women should do their exam on the same day of every month.

Step 1 is to stand in front of a mirror, uncovered, with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in breast shape, swelling, dimpling in the skin or changes in the nipples.

Next, raise your arms high and look for the same things.

Finally, put your hands on your hips and press firmly to make your chest muscles flex.

Look for the same changes on both breasts.

Step 2 is to use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa.

With the pads of your three middle fingers, press on every part of one breast.

Use light pressure, then medium, then firm. Feel for any lumps, thick spots or other changes.

A circular pattern may help you make sure you hit every spot.

Then, press the tissue under the arm.

Be sure to check under the areola and then squeeze the nipple gently to check for discharge.

Repeat the steps on both sides of your body.

Step 3 is done while lying on your back: Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder.

Place your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, apply the same technique as step 2, using the pads of your fingers to press all parts of the breast tissue and under your arm.

Finally, move the pillow to the other side, and check the other breast and armpit. Be sure to check under the areola and then squeeze the nipple gently to check for discharge.

Be sure to look for:

• changes in the look, feel or size of the breasts and nipples

• dimpling or puckering of the skin

• a lump, hard knot, or thick spot in the breast tissue

• nipple discharge

• nipple or any other area pulling inward

• pain in one spot that won’t go away

• rash on the nipple

• swelling of one or both breasts

• warmth, redness, or dark spots on the skin.

Monthly breast self-examinations can detect possible cancer but it's not a diagnosis, nobody, not even doctors, can tell if a mass or abnormality is cancerous without a biopsy and further tests.

If you find something unusual then you should immediately see your doctor.

Watch our breast self-exam video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqXiTaA9Z_A

We are a private venture, and your support helps us create further content to help breast cancer patients around the world.