Breast Self Examination

Let’s tell breast cancer to step aside

Breast Self Examination

Breast Self Examination (BSE)

​Breast self examination should be done atleast once a month. Women should be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and report any new breast change. Finding a breast change however does not necessarily mean there is a cancer. Women with breast implants can also do BSE.  It should begin at about the age of 20 years  and continue the practice throughout their lives. Best time to examine breasts is when they are not tender or swollen such as few days after your period ends.

The following procedures will guide you how to perform your own Breast Self Examination:

STEP 1

Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Here’s what you should look for:

  • Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
  • Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:

  • Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
  • A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
  • Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.
STEP 2

Now, raise your arms, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward and look for the same changes.

STEP 3

Look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

STEP 4

Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

STEP 5

Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.