Health Articles

Topics presented at our live & learn programs: information & screenings to help you stay healthy

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What is it?
A breast self-exam (BSE) is a monthly exam a woman can do herself to check for breast cancer. When you do a breast self-exam you check for lumps, thickening, dimples in the breast, or discharge from the nipple. Regular self-exams will help you learn how your breasts feel. Checking your breasts will help you find any changes in your breasts from month to month.

Why should I do a BSE?
Cancer of the breast is the most common type of cancer in American women. Some women do not check their breasts because they are afraid of finding a lump. Most breast lumps or changes in your breasts are not cancer. About 1 in every 9 women develops breast cancer. Most cases of breast cancer are discovered by women doing self-exams. When breast cancer is found early and treated right away, the chances for cure are better. Every woman should do regular breast self-exams.
What is the best time to examine my breasts?
· Check your breasts every month if you are 20 years or older. The BSE should be done about 1 week after your monthly period. Your breasts are not swollen, lumpy, or tender at this time. At first, you will find it hard to know what feels normal and what does not feel normal in your breasts. Regular BSEs will help you learn how your breasts feel normally and if something has changed.
· If you have had a hysterectomy, check your breasts on the first day of each month. You should do a BSE at the same time each month if you are pregnant or have gone through menopause (change of life). BSE should be done each month if you have breast implants.

How do I do a breast self-exam?
· Examine your breasts in the shower or bath. Your hands move more easily over wet skin. Place one hand behind your head and exam with the other. With your fingers flat, move gently over the entire area of each breast, checking for any lump, hard knot, or thickening.
· Look at your breasts while standing in front of a mirror. Look at them first with your hands at your sides, then with your hands raised over your head, then with your hands pressed firmly on your hips so that your chest muscles are flexed. Look for lumps, new differences in size and shape, and swelling or dimpling of the skin. It is usually normal for your right and left breasts not to match exactly.
· Examine your breasts with your fingers while sitting or standing. Slowly and methodically press on a breast with the fingers of the opposite hand. With your fingers flat, work in a circular or spiral direction, beginning at the nipple and moving gradually outward.
· Lie down and repeat. Put a small pillow or rolled up towel under your shoulder on your left side and put your left arm under your head. This distributes the breast tissue more evenly on your chest. Use your right hand to examine your left breast then use your left hand to examine your right breast. Feel for any lumps or thickening which cannot be felt in the same area in the other breast. It's important to exam every part of the breast area including the underarm.
· Squeeze the nipple of each breast gently between your thumb and index finger. Report any discharge or fluid to your doctor immediately.

When do I call my physician or caregiver?
· You find any lumps or changes in your breasts.
· You have breast pain or fluid coming from your nipples.