Breast Health: How to Perform a Self-Examination

Breast health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it’s a topic that many women find daunting to approach. Discovering something unusual can be frightening, but understanding how to perform a self-examination and what to look for is empowering. Regular self-exams are a proactive way to monitor breast health and can be an early step in detecting breast cancer or other abnormalities.

This guide explains how to perform a self-examination, what to look for, and addresses frequent concerns

Why Are Self-Exams Important?

Breast self examination (BSE) is a vital part of a woman’s health routine. Although they are not a substitute for mammograms or professional exams, they offer an additional layer of vigilance. By performing regular self-examinations, women can become familiar with the normal texture and feel of their breasts, making it easier to notice any unusual changes.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, and self-examinations are the first DIY steps which are a simple yet effective way to notice early signs. Though many lumps found through self-examination are not something you need to worry about, it’s important to report any changes to your healthcare provider for further professional evaluation.

When to Perform a Breast Self-Examination?

Timing matters when it comes to breast self-examination. The best time to perform this is a few days after your menstrual cycle ends when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you are postmenopausal, choose a specific day each month that’s easy to remember.

Steps to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

Step 1: Begin with a Visual Examination

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Observe any changes in the shape, size, or color of your breasts. Note any visible distortion or swelling. Common things to watch out for include:

a. Changes in size or shape: One breast may appear larger or shaped differently than usual.

b. Skin changes: Look for dimpling, puckering, or bulging skin.

c. Nipple changes: Notice if the nipple has changed position, become inverted, or has any discharge.

d. Redness, rash, or swelling: These can be signs of inflammation or other issues that need attention.

Step 2: Raise Your Arms

Next, lift your arms above your head and check for any of the same changes. Sometimes, changes in the breasts are more noticeable when the arms are lifted.

Step 3: Check for Fluid

With your arms still raised, check for any signs of fluid coming from one or both nipples. This could include a watery, milky, yellow fluid or blood.

While discharge can be normal in some cases, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.

Step 4: Feel Your Breasts While Lying Down

Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast. Keep your fingers flat and together, using a firm, smooth touch.

Use a systematic pattern to make sure you examine the entire breast. Some women prefer to move their fingers in a circular motion from the outer edge of the breast toward the nipple. Others use a vertical strip pattern, moving up and down from the top of the breast to the bottom. There’s no single correct method; the important thing is to cover the entire area, including the armpit.

Repeat the process on your left breast.

Step 5: Feel Your Breasts While Standing or Sitting

Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting, as some women find it easier to detect changes in this position. This part of the examination is often easiest to do in the shower when your skin is wet and slippery.

Use the same hand movements described in Step 4 to cover the entire breast area.

What to Look For During a Breast Self-Examination

During your self-examination, you should be looking for any unusual lumps or thickening in the breast tissue. While many lumps are not harmful, some could be an early sign of breast cancer. Other changes to be aware of include:

a. A lump or mass: This is often the most recognizable sign. Lumps that are hard, irregularly shaped, and painless are more concerning, but any lump should be checked by a professional.

b. Changes in the skin texture: Dimpling or puckering of the skin can indicate a problem.

c. Nipple retraction or inversion: If your nipple starts to turn inward or change position, this should be noted.

d. Nipple discharge: Any unusual discharge, especially if it’s bloody, should be examined.

e. Persistent pain: While pain alone is not usually a sign of cancer, persistent pain in one area of the breast is worth mentioning to your doctor.

When must you See a Professional Doctor?

If you notice any of these changes or anything else that seems unusual, schedule an appointment with The Best Gynecologist in Mumbai as soon as possible. Remember, many breast changes are not cancerous, but it’s better to be safe and have a professional evaluation.

Performing regular breast self-examinations is a simple yet crucial way to monitor your breast health. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel, you’re more likely to notice any changes early. While self-exams are important, they should be part of a broader breast health routine that includes regular mammograms and professional check-ups. Your health is in your hands, so make self-exams a routine.