How to do Breast Self- Examination (BSE)

A comprehensive guide.

Why should one do BSE?

A large number of patients with breast cancer in India present at an advanced stage. This results in more intensive treatment requirements as well as poorer survival. Most of these cancers can be caught at an earlier stage just by performing regular BSE. It can also detect breast disease other than cancer that can be treated timely

When can one start BSE?

It is recommended to start as early as 20 years of age and do it regularly.

General Instructions:

● Get into a practice of doing a monthly BreastSelf-Examination and get familiar with your breasts.

● The ideal time to do the Breast Self-Examination is between seven to ten days after the first day of menstrual bleeding. Repeat this every month at the above mentioned time.

● Women who are in the postmenopausal period can fix any day or date and do the exam on the same day/date, every month.

Here is how to do BSE

Step 1:

Stand before a mirror with your shoulder straight and your arms by the side. Examine the size, shape, and color of your breasts and see if there is anything unusual. Also, compare the two breasts.

If you notice any of the changes shown in the figure, bring them to your doctor’s attention.

Step 2:

Raise your arms and look again for similar abnormalities. Also, while lifting your arms, check if both your breasts are evenly moving up.

Finally, bend down so that your breasts are hanging and again examine for any asymmetry.

Step 3:

Lie down, folding the arm on the side of the breast to be examined. Now, using the other hand’s finger pads (Middle three fingers), feel your breast on the opposite side. Use a firm, smooth touch with the finger pads, by keeping the fingers flat and together. Ensure to examine in a small circular motion, without taking your finger off from the breast, and cover the entire area from top to bottom, and side to side.

You may start from one of the outer edges of the breast and move in a circular motion until you reach the nipple. Repeat this starting from the periphery and reaching nipple covering the whole of the breast in a radial fashion. Alternatively, you can choose to move vertically up and down from outer to inner side covering the entire area of your breast. Remember to examine deep to nipple area also.

Repeat this examination for the other breast.

Step 4:

Continue in the same position with arm on the side to be examined brought down slightly, also examine both your armpits and lower neck using finger pads of opposite hand for any enlargement of lymph nodes in these areas.

Step 5:

In a standing or sitting position, gently squeeze the breast towards the nipple using the thumb and fingers for any discharge. You should squeeze from side to side, from top to bottom, and also at an angle. If there is any discharge, wipe it out using a white tissue paper and check for the consistency and color of the discharge.

If you notice a lump, discharge or any other change in your breast while examining, get yourself checked by your physician.

Disclaimer: Breast self-examination is a good tool. However, it is not a screening method and cannot replace conventional screening methods like a mammogram. Consult your doctor for advice regarding regular screening appropriate for you. It is also advisable to get yourself checked by a doctor once a year.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, as well as your experience and other inspiring stories while dealing with cancer care. (If you are a cancer care professional and looking for a chance to connect, share and discuss your passion with other like-minded people, come join us on Psycho-oncology Professional Network)

Connect with me on LinkedIn.