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what is breast self examination(BSE)?
A BSE is a conscious effort by you to examine(touch and look) your breast for any abnormal changes
Why should i do breast self examination?
- to know what your breast looks like
- to know what your breast feels like
- to detect abnormal changes early
when should i do breast self examination?
Every month. 5-7 days after your period.
For menopausal and breast feeding mothers, pick a date in the month.
How do i do breast self examination?
there's really no right or wrong way to check your breast. What is important is to become comfortable and familiar with looking and feeling you breast regularly. Here are some tips.
stand in front of a mirror, look at your breast with your arms beside you then, look at your breast with your arms on your head. Look for any changes in the shape, size,contour of each breast, skin appearance, nipple. It is normal to note one breast is slightly bigger than the other.
Rest your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscle while looking at your breast
FEEL
Use your right hand to examine your left breast and you left hand for right.
Using the pad of your three middle finger, apply firm pressure to your breast. Start at the outer edge and work around your breast in a circles. Getting closer to your nipple with each circle.
Gently squeeze each nipple between you index finger and thumb. and check for discharge (blood).
LYING DOWN.
To examine your breast place a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head, this makes it easier for you to feel any abnormal changes. Feel with fingers of left hand.
repeat the same thing for your left breast with a billow under your left shoulder.
Be sure to include the area up to your collar bone and armpit
IN THE SHOWER.
The above steps should be repeated while in the shower or bath, finger glide easily over wet skin. Finger flat,
move gently over every part of each breasts?
What do i look out for?
- a lump or thickening in the breast
- A change in skin texture such as dimpling, orange peel appearance.
- Redness or rash on the breast skin or around the nipple
- A change in the size, shape or symmetry of the breast.
- constant pain in the breast or armpit
- swelling in the armpit or collar bone
- a change in nipple position (inversion) or size.
- nipple discharge (bloody).
What do i do if i detect change in my breast?
If any of this changes or other abnormalities are noted, see your doctor immediately for a clinical assessment.
there are many reason why changes may occur in your breast, most are harmless but regardless of this fact, every
breast change no matter how little must be checked by a doctor without delay. It is important to know what is
causing the change.
Breast Cancer Screening.
Screening detects unsuspected breast cancer at an early stage so that early treatment can improve survival.
Sebeccly cancer care and support center recommends the following screening guidelines
- Regular breast self examination starting at age 20 years.
- Clinical breast examination by healthcare provider at least starting at age 20 years.
- Mammogram every year satrting at age 45 years