Empower Yourself: A Comprehensive Guide to Performing a Breast Self-Exam
Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer, and one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is the simple, yet life-saving practice of performing regular breast self-exams (BSE). This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, providing detailed instructions and valuable tips to help you become familiar with your breasts and identify any changes that might warrant medical attention. Remember, regular BSEs are not a replacement for professional medical examinations, but they are an essential component of proactive breast health.
Why is Breast Self-Examination Important?
Breast self-exams empower you to take charge of your own health. By regularly examining your breasts, you can become familiar with their normal texture, shape, and feel. This heightened awareness allows you to quickly detect subtle changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. While most breast lumps are benign, early detection of cancerous changes significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Performing BSEs in combination with clinical breast exams and mammograms forms a comprehensive approach to breast health.
Who Should Perform Breast Self-Exams?
All women, regardless of age, should be performing monthly breast self-exams. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women begin performing BSEs in their 20s. Although men have a much lower risk of developing breast cancer, they can also be affected by the disease. Therefore, while not as common, self-exams are also recommended for men to be aware of their breast health, even though changes are not as likely.
When Should You Perform a Breast Self-Exam?
The ideal time to perform a breast self-exam is a few days after your period ends, when your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender due to hormonal fluctuations. If you have stopped having periods or your periods are irregular, choose a specific day each month to perform your self-exam (for example, the first day of each month). Consistency is key to developing familiarity with your breasts and recognizing any changes.
What Are You Looking For During a Breast Self-Exam?
During a breast self-exam, you’re looking for any unusual changes, which can include:
- Lumps: These are the most common sign. Pay attention to the texture, size, and mobility of any lump you find.
- Thickening: A thickening or hardening of the breast tissue that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
- Changes in size or shape: Notice any new asymmetry or a change in the overall shape of your breasts.
- Nipple changes: Look for nipple retraction (nipple turning inward), discharge (especially if bloody or clear), or any changes in the skin around the nipple.
- Skin changes: Observe any skin dimpling, puckering, redness, scaliness, or unusual swelling.
- Pain or tenderness: While not always a sign of cancer, persistent breast pain should be investigated.
- Swelling under the arm: Examine the area under your arms and near your collarbone for any swelling or lumps.
It is important to remember that most of these changes are not cancerous but rather caused by hormonal fluctuations, benign tumors, or cysts. However, it is crucial to have any unusual finding checked by a medical professional to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
Performing a breast self-exam involves both visual inspection and physical palpation (feeling your breasts). Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Visual Inspection in Front of a Mirror
- Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Observe your breasts for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or redness.
- Raise your arms overhead. Observe your breasts again in this position. Look for any of the same changes you looked for with your arms at your side, including unusual bulges, and changes in contour. The changes may be more apparent in this position.
- Place your hands on your hips and press down, flexing your chest muscles. Observe if any dimpling, puckering, or unusual bumps become more apparent in this position.
Step 2: Physical Examination (Palpation)
You can choose to palpate your breasts while standing or lying down, choose the most comfortable position for you. Here’s how to do it:
- Standing examination (Recommended in the shower): In the shower, your soapy hands can easily glide over your skin.
- Lying Down Examination: If choosing to lie down, lie flat on your back. Place a pillow or folded towel under the shoulder of the side you are examining to spread the breast tissue.
- Use the pads of your fingers: Use the pads of your three middle fingers (not the tips) to palpate.
- Choose a pattern: Use one of the methods described below to check the breast tissue.
- Circular Pattern: Starting at the outer edge of your breast, move your fingers in small circles, spiraling inwards towards the nipple.
- Vertical Strip Pattern: Move your fingers up and down in lines, covering the entire breast area. Start under your arm and move down to below the breast and then back up again.
- Wedge Pattern: Starting at the nipple and moving outwards in wedge like sections.
The main idea is to ensure you cover all of the breast tissue and are methodical about it.
- Use different levels of pressure: Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Use a light touch to feel for anything on the surface, medium pressure to feel the tissue deeper beneath the surface and firm pressure to feel down to the ribs.
- Include the entire breast area: Examine your entire breast, from your collarbone to your armpit and from your sternum to the side of your body. Do not forget the areola and nipple itself.
- Check the underarm area: Use your finger pads to feel for any lumps or swelling in your armpit and above your collarbone. Use a gentle touch.
- Examine the nipple: Gently squeeze the nipple and observe for any discharge. Be sure to feel around the base of the nipple as well.
- Repeat on the other side: Repeat the examination on your other breast and underarm area.
- Note any findings: If you notice any changes, make note of their location, size, texture, and any other relevant details.
What to Do if You Find a Lump or Change
If you find a lump or any other unusual change in your breast, it is crucial to remain calm and not panic. Most of these changes are not cancer. However, it is extremely important to contact your doctor for a professional examination. They can perform a thorough clinical breast exam, order a mammogram, or perform other tests to determine the nature of the change. It is always better to be proactive and get things checked out. Even if the issue is benign, knowing for sure will help bring peace of mind. Early diagnosis is key for successful treatment.
Important Considerations
- Regularity is Key: Performing BSEs regularly each month helps you become familiar with your breasts.
- Be Consistent: Perform your BSE at the same time each month so it becomes routine and you can compare differences and changes between exams.
- Know Your Breasts: Understand what’s normal for your breasts so you can notice changes more easily.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If you are unsure about something, do not hesitate to ask your doctor. They can provide guidance and answer your questions.
- Partner Awareness: Encourage partners to also be aware of breast health and potential changes.
Beyond Breast Self-Exams
While BSEs are an important tool in early detection, they are not a substitute for professional medical exams and screenings. It’s important to maintain a proactive and comprehensive approach to your breast health:
- Regular Clinical Breast Exams: Schedule regular clinical breast exams performed by a healthcare professional, as recommended by your doctor.
- Mammograms: Follow your doctor’s recommendations for mammograms, which are essential for detecting early-stage breast cancer before a lump is felt. Mammograms are x-ray pictures of the breast and are usually recommended annually for women over 40, depending on risk factors.
- Understand Your Risk Factors: Be aware of your risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history, genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. Knowing these risk factors can help determine the best preventative measures.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption can help lower your risk of breast cancer.
Conclusion: Taking Charge of Your Breast Health
Performing breast self-exams is a simple yet powerful way for you to actively participate in your breast health and well-being. By knowing what’s normal for your breasts and consistently checking for changes, you can empower yourself to seek timely medical attention if needed. When combined with regular checkups and screenings, BSEs can play a significant role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Remember, early detection saves lives. Take charge of your breast health today.