Breast Self Examination


Women over the age of 20 should examine their breasts once a month. For women who are still getting their menstrual periods, the best time is seven to ten days after the start of the period, when the breast tenderness and swelling is over. Women who are past menopause should perform breast self-examination (BSE) every month. If you are not having regular periods, do BSE on the same day every month.

The most important thing is not what day BSE is done,
but that it is done faithfully every month.


 

How to do Breast self-examination

  1. Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.

  2. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps or thickening. Your finger pads are the top third of each finger.

  3. Press hard enough to know how your breast feels. If you're not sure how hard to press, ask your health care provider. Learn what your breast feels like most of the time. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.

  4. Move around the breast in a set way. You can choose either the circle (A), the up and down line (B), or the wedge (C). Do it the same way every time. It will help you to make sure that you've gone over the entire breast area, including the armpits, and to remember how your breast feels each month.


  5. Now examine your left breast using the right hand finger pads. Next check your breasts while standing in front of a mirror right after you do your BSE each month. You might also want to do an extra BSE while you're in the shower. Your soapy hands will glide over the wet skin making it easy to check how your breasts feel.



    Clinical breast examination

    A clinical breast examination (CBE) is a physical examination of your breasts by a health professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, or physician’s assistant. For this examination, you undress from the waist up. Using the pads of the fingers, the examiner will gently palpate (feel) your breasts. Special attention will be given to the shape and texture of the breasts, location of any lumps, and whether such lumps are attached to the skin or to deeper tissues. The area under both arms will also be examined.


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    This information was obtained from the "NCA". They hold all the rights to the information on Breast Self Examinations.
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    The information on this page is not meant to take the place of proper medical attention by your doctor. If you suspect a lump, or have any questions regarding your health, please make an appointment to see your physician. I am not responsible for any misread, misconstrued information. This page is for informational purposes only.

    Site Owner is not a Doctor.