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What is a breast self-exam (BSE) and why should I do it? |
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The breast self-exam (or self breast exam-SBE) is a method to check your breast tissue for changes that may indicate possible breast cancer. These changes can be visual (you see them in the mirror) or tactile (you can feel them with your fingers.) While 80% of these changes are NOT cancerous, your chances for surviving the disease, should they be associated with breast cancer, are greatly improved. There is no primary prevention breast cancer other than early detection to improve your chances of surviving the disease.
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Am I at risk for getting breast cancer? |
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The primary risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. There are many other risk factors such as family history and reproductive history, but it is important to keep in mind that most women who get breast cancer have no know risk factors other than the fact that they are a woman and they are getting older (75% of breast cancers occur in women over age 50.)
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What if I am a breast cancer survivor, do I still need to do BSE?
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Yes, recurrence of breast cancer in either breast is always a possibility. Even if you have had a complete mastectomy, it is important to still check both breasts for changes that might indicate a recurrence. No treatment procedure is 100% effective and depending on the type of breast cancer you had, recurrence is possible.
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When should I perform BSE?
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Every month is optimal. If you are still having your periods, days 5-10 of the menstrual cycle (day 1 is the first day of your menses) is the best time since your breasts will be the least tender. If you are no longer having periods, it is best to perform BSE on the same day of each month. Many women choose their birthday day, as an easier reminder for themselves each month.
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How will I know if there is a change?
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Each month you do this, you will become more familiar with what your breasts look like and what the tissue feels like. Over time, you will be more alert to changes. When you first start, do BSE as often as you can until you are confident, then go to once a month for a lifetime.
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What is the best technique to perform BSE?
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There are two parts to the exam. Check out our best technique page for a complete illustration.
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What about doing the exam in the shower, that is what I am used to?
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This is not the optimal position to examine your breast, but it can be a good starting point for the exam. After you finish your shower, be sure to do the visual inspection in front of the mirror, and then lying down on your bed for the systematic search noted above. It may take up to 10 minutes per breast, but the thoroughness has proven to be more effective and increase your confidence about what is normal for you.
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What do I do if I find a change?
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Contact your healthcare provider if you discover a change. To review, a change to report includes the following:
- An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast;
- A lump or thickening that is distinctly different than the rest of the breast;
- A change in the size, contour, or shape of the breast tissue or nipple;
- A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed);
- Fluid discharge from the nipples that is not manually expressed;
- Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.
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What are the other key methods for early detection? |
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1) Starting at age 20 through 40, you should get a clinical breast exam from your healthcare provider at least every three years.
2) Starting at age 40, your healthcare provider will schedule you for screening mammography at regular intervals, for most women, this is typically every year.
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Courtesy of: PRO-Health Inc., Nancy Dunn RN, MS, nandunn@earthlink.net
